Yoon "Will Review"... Implies Proceeding with Han Dong-hoon Appointment (Comprehensive)

與 "No Issues with Ability or Morality"... Opposition "My Way Appointment in Just One Day"

Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 9th and is taking notes on lawmakers' requests for document submissions. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the 17th that he would "consider" the appointment of Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, and Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare. Among the two candidates, there was strong interpretation that the appointment of one nominee would be approved that day. However, the opposition party expressed opposition to the forced appointment, making it unlikely for the 'ruling and opposition cooperation' to last beyond a day without criticism.

On the way to his office in Yongsan that day, President Yoon responded to the question, "Have you decided on the appointment of nominee Jeong Ho-young?" by saying, "There are still several ministerial nominees who have not been appointed yet." When asked, "Will you proceed with the appointment of nominee Han Dong-hoon for Minister of Justice today?" he said, "Since the personnel hearing report had not arrived until yesterday, I will review it once I get to work."

In political circles, there was an interpretation that the possibility of appointing nominee Han today was being emphasized. This is because the deadline for submitting the personnel hearing report was missed, and the ministerial position cannot be left vacant, making the appointment inevitable.

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, said in an MBC radio interview that regarding nominee Han, "The Democratic Party of Korea found no problems with Han's morality, ability, or expertise during the personnel hearing," adding, "According to a certain public opinion poll, evaluations of nominee Han actually increased after the hearing." He emphasized, "Since there is no problem, but the Democratic Party designated him as unfit just because he investigated them, that itself is wrong, so I believe nominee Han Dong-hoon should be appointed."

On the other hand, the Democratic Party indicated that it would be difficult to cooperate in state affairs if the appointment is forced. Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the National Assembly policy coordination meeting, "Reports are pouring in that nominee Han Dong-hoon will be appointed today," and criticized, "President Yoon emphasized parliamentary principles in yesterday’s policy speech, but is forcing a 'my way' appointment just one day later the parliamentary principle he talks about?" He continued, "In public opinion polls, the majority of the people point out that nominee Han is inappropriate," and warned, "Forcing the appointment will act as a bomb in state affairs." Song Ki-heon, senior deputy chairman of the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee, also said, "Appointing nominee Han not only goes against the public sentiment but also raises questions about the willingness for cooperation and smooth political consultation between the ruling and opposition parties."

However, regarding nominee Jeong Ho-young, even the ruling party finds it difficult to force the appointment. Floor leader Kwon said, "Since public opinion is divided, it is a matter to decide after observing the trend of public opinion." Floor leader Park also criticized the presidential office staff appointments, saying, "Not only was the prosecution branch office created, but various corruption allegations have also been added," and vowed, "We will definitely hold them accountable for the personnel fiasco."

The issue of presidential office appointments is also expected to become a point of contention. The ruling and opposition parties plan to hold a National Assembly Steering Committee meeting in the afternoon to address issues such as the sexual misconduct allegations against Chief Secretary Yoon Jae-soon. Floor leader Park evaluated him as "a person who cannot even be placed on the personnel screening table," while floor leader Kwon said, "We need to hear his side as well," but added, "If the public cannot accept it, he should naturally apologize." President Yoon avoided giving a direct answer regarding the issue of Secretary Yoon.