Democratic Party Rejects Collective Approval of All Witness Requests
Jinwoo Joo States on Social Media: "At Least Five Witnesses Are Needed"
As the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok approaches, the conflict between the ruling and opposition parties over the selection of witnesses is intensifying.
Jinwoo Joo, a member of the Special Committee on Confirmation Hearings from the People Power Party, claimed on his Facebook page on the 21st, "At least five witnesses are needed for the confirmation hearing of Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, but the Democratic Party persistently blocked it by insisting on a vote. Even when we suggested calling all the witnesses requested by the Democratic Party together, they refused to cooperate."
Jinwoo Joo, member of the Special Committee on Confirmation Hearings, People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
As the legal deadline for selecting witnesses under the Confirmation Hearing Act passed on the 20th, there is a growing possibility that the upcoming hearing will proceed without any witnesses. In response, the People Power Party is escalating its offensive.
Joo is focusing on raising issues regarding Kim's morality and transparency, particularly concerning his financial changes and sources of funds over the past five years. He stated, "In April 2018, Kim borrowed 140 million won from close supporters and did not repay it for over seven years, only settling the debt after being nominated as Prime Minister. If you have bad credit, you can only borrow up to 1 million won at an annual interest rate of 15.9% from the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency, so isn't this a preferential loan?"
He continued, "There are four major donors, including a sponsor who paid 250 million won and provided 4.5 million won per month for study abroad expenses. Verification in front of the public is necessary."
Suspicions related to a publication celebration event were also raised. Joo stated, "It is said that 600 million won in cash was raised by selling books at the publication event. Wasn't there an exchange of large cash envelopes? The reported royalties are minimal. At the very least, a representative from the publishing company should be called as a witness to confirm the number of copies published and the circumstances." He added, "At this rate, people will start calling this a 'congratulatory money government.'"
On the same day, Joo posted an additional message titled "Kim Minseok's Irrelevant Answers Series," once again questioning Kim's sources and uses of funds. He wrote, "Is it true that you raised 800 million won through congratulatory money and the publication event? Isn't it excessive to receive 100 million won in congratulatory money and 250 million won at a single publication event? How does it feel to stack up 600 million won in cash? Did you register this asset at the end of the year?"
He further criticized, "Did you really spend several hundred million won in cash within just a month or two between your wedding (December 12), your father-in-law's funeral (November 2), and the publication celebration (November 29)? How do you plan to repay the people who gave you 600 million won? Is there really no cash left? Can't the Democratic Party be more accommodating? I am also interested in the publication event and the Minister of Justice position."
He reiterated, "At the very least, a representative from the publishing company should be called as a witness or reference to determine the number of copies published and the circumstances. Otherwise, this administration will end up being called a 'congratulatory money government.'"
In response, Kim's camp explained through radio and YouTube broadcasts on the 20th, "There is no major issue since the increase in assets came from legitimate sources such as congratulatory money and the publication event." Kim explained that he came to possess about 600 million won in cash through his remarriage, his father-in-law's funeral, and the publication celebration.
Jinwoo Joo Responds to Rumors of Being Recommended as Minister of Justice
On the same day, Kim shared a commentary by Yoon Jaegwan, spokesperson for the Rebuilding Korea Party, on Facebook, which recommended Jinwoo Joo as Minister of Justice. Kim wrote, "This seems to be the most meaningful recommendation. I hope you will have a good opportunity to be vetted by the public in line with this intention." While some in the ruling bloc have suggested nominating Joo, who has been leading the allegations against Kim, as Minister of Justice for reverse verification, Kim himself joined in the suggestion.
Joo responded on Facebook by sharing Kim's post, saying, "Thank you for the kind words. You would have to become Prime Minister first to nominate me as Minister of Justice, but as a confirmation hearing committee member, you shouldn't try to lure me with a public office." He continued, "Receiving 600 million won in cash from events like the publication celebration and spending it without asset registration falls far short of public expectations. Still, if you want to recommend me, please publicly promise to uphold my conviction that Cho Kuk, Lee Hwayoung, and Kim Yong cannot be pardoned. If you do, I will accept the position of Minister of Justice."
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