Confirmation Hearing Ends in Disruption... Minseok Kim Lowers His Stance, Says "Sorry for Falling Short of Public Expectations"

Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim stated on June 26, "Although I have fulfilled my public responsibilities even amid the hardships of life, I am sorry for the areas where I still fall short of the public's expectations." He made this humble remark as the National Assembly's confirmation hearing over the past two days ended in disruption due to conflict between the ruling and opposition parties over the submission of documents related to Kim's assets.

Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim. Photo by Yonhap News

On the same day, Kim wrote on his Facebook page, "As the first prime minister nominee of the Lee Jaemyung administration, I have felt the immense weight of responsibility." He continued, "During my 18 years outside of public office, I learned with my whole being to fear and be grateful to both the heavens and the people above all else. If I am confirmed, I will make the people and the heavens the pillars of my judgment."

However, Kim pointed to the opposition as the cause of the hearing's breakdown. He said, "From late in the afternoon on the second day, opposition members did not enter the meeting room, and the session was automatically adjourned at midnight. They raised issues about the provision of documents, but I had already stated that I would provide the requested materials." He added, "In the end, it seems that apologizing for the false claim of '600 million won in cash in the closet' raised by Representative Joo Jinwoo became a burden for the opposition. It is regrettable."

Nevertheless, he made it clear that he has no intention of responding to the opposition's attempts to force his withdrawal, stating, "I will calmly wait and prepare to work during the remaining time until the National Assembly's confirmation." The confirmation of the prime minister requires approval by the National Assembly, but since the ruling Democratic Party currently holds a majority with 167 seats, the requirements of 'a majority of registered members present and a majority of those present voting in favor' are more than sufficiently met.

As both the prime minister nominee and a current member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party, Kim stated that he was staying at the National Assembly to attend the plenary session where the Lee Jaemyung administration's first supplementary budget proposal would be explained. Kim said, "This is an explanation of the supplementary budget plan to respond to a livelihood crisis akin to a second IMF (International Monetary Fund) financial crisis," and requested the cooperation of the National Assembly and the support of the people.