Raising the Level of Criticism Against Prime Minister Nominee Minseok Kim
Kim Kihyun: "The President Holds Appointment Authority... Necessary Witnesses Must Be Approved"
"If Withdrawal Is Difficult, Recommending Resignation Is Also an Option"
As the National Assembly holds a confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim on June 24, Kim Kihyun, a member of the People Power Party, addressed President Lee Jaemyung, stating, "If it is difficult to withdraw the nomination, there is a way to recommend that the nominee resign." In an interview on SBS Radio's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show' on June 23, Kim said, "President Lee said, 'Let the National Assembly clarify the matter,' but nominee Kim is refusing to submit the requested documents." He added, "Isn't the President the one with the authority over personnel appointments? It is the responsibility of the appointing authority to actively submit documents, present necessary witnesses, and urge explanations to the public."
Kim Kihyun also argued, "The fact that nominee Kim only submitted two documents by last weekend is not just a delay, but a complete refusal to provide materials." He continued, "He initially said, 'Let's discuss it at the hearing,' but now claims, 'I couldn't submit them because I didn't get the consent of the parties involved.' It seems he is just trying to hold out for two more days, showing a defiant attitude." Kim further criticized, "Isn't it the case that the Democratic Party is refusing to approve any witnesses or references? As the majority party, they do as they please, accepting or rejecting as they wish. Is it really appropriate for the President to project such an image to the public?"
He also said, "It was reported that, during the recent G7 summit, the President stated, 'I heard nominee Kim's explanations and they were all satisfactory.' That sounds like he is telling the Democratic Party to just push ahead no matter what. Is it really appropriate to show such a lack of communication?"
When the host asked whether the President should withdraw the nomination, Kim Kihyun replied, "I believe the nomination should be withdrawn, but if it is not easy for the President to do so, recommending that the nominee resign is also an option." He added, "If even that is difficult, at the very least, sufficient witnesses and references should be approved. Allowing a hollow hearing without witnesses seems like an attempt to evade scrutiny. As President, he should show a broad-minded approach to verifying whether the nominee is suitable. Acting as if he were still opposition leader is not appropriate."
On the same day, Kim Kihyun commented on his social media account regarding President Lee's absence from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, stating, "I want to believe that it is not because of the corruption and bribery allegations surrounding nominee Kim, which President Lee himself brought about." He continued, "The presidential office cited 'domestic issues and uncertainty due to the Middle East situation' as the reasons, but it is obvious that the rapidly changing international diplomatic and security environment will directly impact our economy and security. What domestic issue could possibly be more urgent than this?" Kim concluded, "It is hard to see this as a cool-headed decision that puts the national interest first."
The National Assembly's confirmation hearing for nominee Minseok Kim will be held over two days, starting June 24. The People Power Party criticizes Kim as an unsuitable candidate for public office, citing unresolved suspicions regarding the formation of his assets, including allegations that he continued financial transactions with individuals involved in an illegal political funds case for which he was previously convicted, and that he failed to report cash holdings, including proceeds from a publication celebration, in his official asset disclosure. In contrast, the Democratic Party dismisses these suspicions as 'excessive political attacks' and 'obstruction of state affairs,' and believes that nominee Kim will be able to clarify these issues during the hearing.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
