Joo Jinwoo: "Insufficient Evidence, All Just Claims"
"Only Showing the Favorable Pieces of the Puzzle"
Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, intensified his criticism regarding the process by which Kim Minseok, the nominee for Prime Minister, accumulated 600 million won in assets. During the confirmation hearing, Kim cited his spouse, congratulatory and condolence money, and proceeds from book publication events as sources. However, Joo pointed out, "If he has nothing to hide, he could simply submit one side of his bankbook."
On the 24th, Joo Jinwoo stated on his Facebook page, "Kim Minseok's explanation is only about showing the 'favorable pieces of the puzzle.' While he submits documents showing that he did not remit his son's study abroad expenses, he does not disclose who actually sent the tuition. If he has nothing to hide, he could just call his son and submit one side of the bankbook. Disclosing numbers has nothing to do with privacy," he asserted.
Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning Kim Minseok, the nominee for Prime Minister, at a confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier at the confirmation hearing held that day, Kim Minseok explained, "My ex-spouse paid the entire amount." However, Joo Jinwoo countered, "When I requested documents related to the Cornell University study abroad funds, the response was that there were no records of remittances to the eldest son."
Meanwhile, the breakdown of the 600 million won in assets disclosed by Kim includes approximately 100 million won in congratulatory money, 160 million won in condolence money, 250 million won from two book publication events, and 200 million won in support from his mother-in-law. Excluding the congratulatory money, which he claims was entirely given to his in-laws, the amount totals 610 million won.
Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning Kim Minseok, the nominee for Prime Minister, at a confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
However, Joo pointed out that Kim's mother-in-law had kept the congratulatory money and later returned 100 million won to his spouse. Joo remarked, "Isn't this just a change in whose closet the money is kept in?" He added, "He spent as much as 600 million won in cash without paying taxes or the public knowing, but it's all just words. There are no documents to back it up."
He concluded, "The public cannot know whether Kim Minseok still has more cash left, who gave him the cash and for what purpose, or how much cash actually came in. Are we supposed to believe everything Kim Minseok says without any verification?"
Meanwhile, during Kim's confirmation hearing, which will continue for two days starting today, sharp criticism was exchanged between lawmakers from both parties. In particular, Park Sunwon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, raised his voice when mentioning Joo's exemption from military service due to acute hepatitis.
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