Silent on 'Geon-gukjeol' Questions
Chaesangbyeong Special Prosecutor Says "Checks and Balances Needed"
Kim Bok-hyung, a nominee for the Constitutional Court Justice, stated that "it is clear that impeachment should not be politically abused."
On the 10th, Kim responded this way to a question from Park Jun-tae, a member of the People Power Party, regarding the "possibility of political abuse of impeachment" during the confirmation hearing at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
However, he added, "Whether it is politically abused or there is an actual reason for impeachment will be judged through deliberation by the Constitutional Court," and "Like all cases, impeachment cases must be decided carefully."
The 'Founding Day' controversy was also revived during Kim's confirmation hearing. When Lee Geon-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Is the Republic of Korea a country established in April 1919 or August 1948?" Kim remained silent and did not answer.
However, in response to a follow-up question, "Isn't it correct that the Republic of Korea was established through the March 1st Movement?" Kim replied, "I understand it is interpreted that way," and "I agree with that view." Regarding the nationality of the people during the Japanese colonial period, he stated "our country."
In response to a question from Kim Yong-min of the Democratic Party regarding Dokdo, Kim said, "It is our territory," and added that public officials who do not agree with this point "lack qualifications."
When Jang Kyung-tae, a Democratic Party member, asked, "Does First Lady Kim Geon-hee have authority over state affairs?" Kim answered, "She does not have authority."
Regarding the controversy surrounding the 'Sergeant Chae Special Prosecutor Act,' Kim said, "I hope the state affairs stabilize." When Song Seok-jun of the People Power Party asked, "If the opposition party effectively exercises the right to appoint a special prosecutor, wouldn't that be considered an abnormal special prosecutor?" Kim replied, "It would not be desirable. There should be a need to introduce the principle of checks and balances."
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