Kim Wan-seop, the nominee for the new Minister of Environment, is entering a building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, where the office for the confirmation hearing preparation team has been set up on the morning of the 5th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Kim Wan-seop, the nominee for Minister of Environment, said on the 5th, "I cannot say that I have as much knowledge as environmental experts."
On the same day, as Kim arrived at the office set up at the Irum Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to prepare for the confirmation hearing, he responded to criticism from reporters about his "lack of expertise" by saying, "I have been among those who handled the Environment Ministry's budget the most in the financial authorities," while acknowledging his limitations.
Kim, who passed the 36th Administrative Examination, spent most of his public service career in the Ministry of Strategy and Finance handling budgets. His experience related to the environment is limited to adjusting the Environment Ministry's budget while serving as a social budget officer. He emphasized, "I will supplement my insufficient knowledge by communicating with Environment Ministry officials who have worked in environmental tasks for decades," and asked, "Please watch over me."
Regarding suspicions that this appointment was to take care of those who lost in the general election, he replied, "The appointing authority must have considered various factors in making the appointment," and added, "It is difficult for me to say from my position whether this is a reward appointment or not."
On his way to work that day, Kim carried a personal reusable cup. He explained, "If you use a tumbler, you get points and discounts," and added, "Rather than forcing restrictions on disposable cups, it is more effective if consumers find it easy to adopt and also gain benefits." This is interpreted as his intention to continue the current administration's environmental policy that induces voluntary changes rather than relying solely on regulations.
Regarding current issues such as the policy direction related to the Four Major Rivers Project, he avoided answering by saying, "I will explain in detail later." However, on flood prevention during the rainy season, he explained, "Flood damage is worsening due to abnormal weather," and added, "We will share roles with local governments and prepare countermeasures in advance."
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