Joo Jinwoo: "I Can Disclose All My Documents"
"Willing to Take the Loss and Reveal for the Public"
Democratic Party Likely to Push for Prime Minister Confirmation Vote on the 30th
Joo Jinwoo is questioning Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok at the personnel hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, made a counterproposal to Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, suggesting that if both parties have nothing to hide, they should simultaneously disclose their documents to the public. This was Joo's response following the disruption of Kim Minseok's confirmation hearing on the 25th, which was caused by disputes between the ruling and opposition parties over the submission of documents.
On the 26th, Joo Jinwoo wrote on his Facebook page, "I'm not the prime minister nominee, but I am willing to make a concession. How about both of us disclose our documents to the public at the same time?" directly addressing Kim Minseok with this proposal.
Joo stated, "I have nothing to hide and am confident. If I disclose the records of my son's gift tax payments, can Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok at least provide the minimal documentation showing that it was his former spouse, not a third party, who paid for his son's overseas education?"
He continued, "If I disclose my military service and medical records, can Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok submit the gift tax payment records he promised to provide, as well as documentation of the 180 million won loan he took out and repaid in 2024?" He added, "If even this cannot be provided, the public will clearly see who is trying to hide something and who is being transparent."
In conclusion, Joo said, "No matter how I look at it, this is a loss for me. It's not as if I'll be made prime minister, and even if I win, there's nothing to gain, but I am willing to take the risk for the sake of the public."
Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim is responding to a question 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
Meanwhile, Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok has explained regarding the allegations that someone else paid for his son's overseas education expenses, stating, "My former spouse covered the full amount." However, during the confirmation hearing, Joo Jinwoo questioned this explanation again, saying, "When I requested documents related to the Cornell University study abroad funds, the response was that there was no record of remittance to the eldest son."
As the possibility increases that the special committee on personnel hearings may fail to adopt a review report, the Democratic Party is expected to push ahead with a vote on the prime minister confirmation motion at the National Assembly plenary session on the 30th. The requirements for passing the prime minister confirmation motion are a majority of registered members present and a majority of those present voting in favor. Since the Democratic Party holds 167 seats, it is possible for them to approve the motion on their own initiative.
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