Kwon Chilsung: "Prosecution Investigation into Kim Minseok's Hearing Is a Cho Kuk Deja Vu... Confirmation Process Needs Reform"

Kwon Chilsung: "Kim Minseok Will Perform Better Than Anyone as Prime Minister"
"Competency Verification Should Come First"
Reiterates the Need to Revise the Personnel Hearing Act

On June 23, Kwon Chilsung, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the prosecution's investigation related to the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, calling it a "deja vu of the Cho Kuk hearing." Kwon, who has proposed a revision to the Personnel Hearing Act that would separate ethical verification from competency verification, raised the need for such legislative reform.

Through social media that day, Kwon expressed his trust in nominee Kim while also pointing out issues with the confirmation hearing process. He recalled his experience working with Kim Minseok during his first term as a lawmaker on general election operations, as well as their collaboration on the Health and Welfare Committee in the 21st National Assembly. He stated, "Everyone knows that if Kim takes the position of Prime Minister, he will perform his duties better than anyone else and fulfill the role of a truly responsible prime minister."

However, regarding the various suspicions raised by the opposition during the confirmation hearing, Kwon said, "I believe and expect that most of these issues will be resolved and gain public consent." He added, "The process of passing the confirmation hearing will not be smooth. There have already been countless political offensives and baseless suspicions, even to the point of calling for the nominee's ex-wife to testify as a witness."

Kwon also expressed concern that immediately after the People Power Party filed a complaint regarding Kim's alleged property issues, the prosecution assigned the case and began an investigation. He said, "Another problem has arisen: the intervention of the prosecution," and pointed out, "For the prosecution to launch an investigation based on statements made during the confirmation hearing preparation process is a deja vu of the Cho Kuk hearing."

As a three-term lawmaker and former Minister of SMEs and Startups during the Moon Jae-in administration, Kwon proposed a revision to the Personnel Hearing Act last year to separate ethical verification and competency verification, with the ethical review to be conducted privately. He argued, "For those assuming positions with heavy responsibilities and significant authority, competency verification must come first, and public opinion on that should be formed first." He questioned, "How can we find the right person for the right position if the process is dominated by suspicions unrelated to job performance, as it is now?"

In this context, Kwon predicted that discussions on reforming the personnel confirmation system would continue. He said, "Ethical issues related to job performance will naturally be discussed during a public office competency hearing," and added, "The current confirmation hearing has strayed far from its original intent."