"Considering the Comprehensive Review of Suspicions, a Personal Judgment"
[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Hyunji Kwon] On the 4th, the People Power Party effectively demanded the voluntary resignation of Kim Seung-hee, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare.
Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, said to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "Considering the contents of the Central Election Commission's investigation request and the various suspicions revealed through the media, I think Candidate Kim should make a decision about her own position."
Earlier, the Election Commission had requested a prosecution investigation into Candidate Kim on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. Kim's side has rebutted, saying, "A request for investigation does not necessarily mean a conclusion of violation."
Regarding Park Soon-ae, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, Kwon said that the revealed suspicions alone are unlikely to be problematic. He stated, "Drunk driving was wrong, but it happened 20 years ago and has already been judged by the court," adding, "Since Candidate Park has apologized several times, I believe there is no obstacle to her carrying out the ministerial duties."
Regarding the possibility of President Yoon Seok-yeol pushing forward with Park's appointment amid delays in the confirmation hearing, he said, "The government has provided sufficient time with a 20-day confirmation hearing period and a 10-day resubmission period, totaling over 30 days," and added, "Now, the authority to decide whether to appoint or not lies with the executive branch."
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