Clash Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Over Prime Minister Nominee's Asset and Degree Allegations
People Power Party Demands Recess, Asserting "No Review Without Documents"
Democratic Party Denounces "Political Attacks... '6 Billion Wardrobe' Is a False Frame"
The confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim on the 25th was suspended after a heated confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over the submission of documents by the nominee.
The People Power Party asserted from the beginning of the hearing that it was impossible to proceed normally, citing the lack of submitted materials regarding suspicions about Kim's assets and academic degrees. In response, the Democratic Party countered that the People Power Party's objections amounted to excessive political attacks and argued that Kim had sufficiently explained himself through his answers.
Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim is answering questions from Jinu Woo, a member of the People Power Party, during the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim also stated that, in accordance with precedents for prime ministerial confirmation hearings, he had submitted all materials within the scope allowed. Additionally, he requested that the People Power Party correct any factors that could mislead the public.
As the tense exchanges between the parties continued even after the questioning began, Lee Jongbae, chair of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Confirmation Hearings, declared a recess at around 4:30 p.m. Subsequent discussions between the chair and party representatives failed to produce an agreement.
After the recess, People Power Party members of the confirmation committee held a press conference, claiming, "Kim is effectively refusing to submit materials and intends to boycott this hearing," and added, "Under these circumstances, we cannot proceed with the hearing any further."
However, they also stated, "We will wait, hoping that the hearing can proceed normally until the end. No matter how late it is tonight, if the materials we requested and Kim has agreed to submit are properly delivered, we will return to the hearing and ensure it is concluded appropriately."
On the other hand, Democratic Party members argued that there needed to be a discussion about the People Power Party's "false allegations." In a separate press conference, Democratic Party members revealed, "We have received reports that banners nationwide, in the name of the People Power Party, describe the nominee as having '6 billion won cash bundles stashed at home' and being 'a target for investigation, not verification.'"
They continued, "Since content corresponding to false information has been posted under the name of People Power Party regional chairs, we proposed to discuss this matter and how to proceed with the hearing, but the People Power Party members instead held a press conference."
Regarding the document submission issue, they explained, "During the recess, we showed the materials submitted by Kim's team to Chair Lee Jongbae and Secretary Bae Junyoung, and discussed how to proceed."
Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim briefly left the candidate seat on the 25th at the National Assembly in Seoul as the resumption of the confirmation hearing was delayed due to conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties over document submission. Photo by Yonhap News
The resumption of the hearing remains uncertain, as the ruling and opposition parties are sharply divided over the allegations and the submission of materials. The People Power Party maintains that unless Kim's team submits the requested documents, they cannot agree to resume the hearing or discuss the adoption of the confirmation report. Representative Bae emphasized, "If the materials are not received by midnight, the hearing will automatically be adjourned."
Kim Hyun, Democratic Party secretary, referring to Jinu Woo's "6 billion won wardrobe" remark, argued, "The premise of these allegations is already wrong, so why should only the nominee unilaterally provide materials? The remarks should be withdrawn and an apology made before any corresponding action can be taken."
Meanwhile, during the hearing, the People Power Party requested that Kim submit documentation regarding the payment of gift tax on 2 billion won in living expenses provided to his wife's family, as well as 2024 loan and repayment records related to the payment of fines for illegal political funds, and 2025 loan and repayment records for private debt settlements. Concerning Kim's master's degree from Tsinghua University in China, they requested immigration records and academic transcripts.
Representative Kwak Gyutaek pointed out, "Yesterday, Kim said he would submit the loan and repayment records since they are under his name, but today he says he cannot submit them."
Additionally, raising suspicions that Kim may have received sponsorship funds from related organizations and groups during a publication event while serving as chair of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, Representative Kwak argued, "Such matters go beyond the scope of a confirmation hearing and should be subject to investigation. If the prosecution or the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials does not investigate, a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate the allegations of illegal political funds involving Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim."
The Democratic Party countered by demanding an apology for Representative Woo's "6 billion won wardrobe" remark, calling it defamation against Kim. Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Yonggi stated, "They began framing the nominee as 'someone who stacks 6 billion won in cash in a wardrobe' with a fabricated narrative, and that frame remains effective to this day. Accountability must be pursued."
Kim also stated, "Public remarks and announcements by hearing committee members that I believe have clearly misled the public must be corrected. Otherwise, submitting documents will not help address the 'top ten allegations' raised by the People Power Party."
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