Employment Minister Nominee Kim Moon-soo: "No Resignation... Will Apologize If Necessary"

Minister Nominee Confirmation Hearing Held on the 26th
Former President Park Geun-hye Expresses Position on Impeachment
"Impeachment Will Be Reassessed Historically"

Kim Moon-soo, the nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, stated on the 26th during the confirmation hearing that he has "no intention" of resigning. Regarding the criticism over his past remarks, he showed a conciliatory stance by saying, "I believe apologies should be made when necessary."

Kim Moon-soo, nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, is answering questions at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

During the confirmation hearing before the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee, when Rep. Park Hae-cheol of the Democratic Party asked if he was willing to resign, Kim replied, "No." Since being nominated as the successor to Minister Lee Jeong-sik on the 31st of last month, opposition parties have demanded his resignation over past remarks, but he expressed no intention to step down.

However, regarding his past remarks, he said that his position varied depending on the circumstances at the time but added, "I believe that apologies should be made and everything necessary should be done when required." He continued, "If it is for the people and our Republic of Korea, there are things worth sacrificing one's life for, not just apologizing."

He also promised, "I will work diligently with the passion I had during my activism," and explained, "If anyone was hurt by my remarks, I sincerely apologize, and if there are shortcomings in my words, I will fully accept any criticism."

Regarding the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, he said, "The impeachment was wrong and will be historically re-evaluated." He also stated, "If she (former President Park) is imprisoned for bribery, then I am also guilty of bribery," explaining, "She neither knew about the bribes nor was she someone who would accept them."

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Kim emphasized that "labor reform must continue" to prepare for changes in the domestic labor environment and to enhance global competitiveness. He stressed, "Our current labor field is too harsh on the weak," and added, "There must be no exclusion of the weak under the rule of law between labor and management, and the sacred value of labor must be respected."

To this end, Kim announced plans to "devote efforts to tangible support by establishing a 'Labor Weak Protection Act'." He also detailed plans to address wage arrears and create quality jobs. He concluded by saying, "If appointed as Minister of Employment and Labor, I will humbly listen to the voices from the labor field and work passionately from a lower position."