Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Calling Kim Minseok's Ex-Wife as Witness: "Ex-Spouse Is Now Separate" vs "Education Expenses Must Be Clarified"

Democratic Party: "Merely an Attempt to Undermine the Nominee"
People Power Party: "Nominee Must Clarify Child's Overseas Education Expenses"
Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Scope of Witness Selection

At the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, ruling and opposition parties clashed over whether to call Kim's ex-wife as a witness. The ruling party opposed the idea, arguing that "the basic rights of someone who is now no longer related should not be infringed upon." In contrast, the opposition party indicated that only clarification regarding the nominee’s child’s overseas education expenses was necessary.

On June 18, the special confirmation committee for Kim’s nomination held its first full meeting, appointing the chairperson and secretaries, and discussed the selection of witnesses and reference persons for the hearing.

Jeon Yonggi, a member of the Democratic Party, stated, "I agree with calling witnesses and reference persons to verify moral character, and it is right for both parties to clarify all suspicions." However, he added, "According to media reports, calling the ex-spouse as a witness is highly inappropriate." Jeon emphasized, "An ex-spouse is now a separate individual. Calling that person as a witness to ask various questions and receive answers is not about vetting the nominee, but merely an attempt to undermine the nominee."

Yonhap News Agency

In response, Kwak Gyutaek, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out the need for clarification regarding the nominee’s son’s overseas education expenses. He mentioned that if the relevant documentation could provide sufficient explanation, the request for the witness could be withdrawn. Kwak explained, "It is understood that the nominee’s ex-spouse was responsible for paying the high tuition and living expenses for Kim’s son in the United States." He continued, "Since tuition and living expenses at foreign universities can only be paid through registered foreign exchange accounts, if such an account is submitted as evidence and the remittance is confirmed, the witness request could be withdrawn even if it had already been made."

Due to disagreements between the ruling and opposition parties over the scope of witnesses and reference persons, the committee decided to adjourn temporarily and have the secretaries discuss and finalize the list of those to be summoned.