Lee Jinsuk's Confirmation Hearing Set for 16th... Less Than Two Weeks Left, No Documents Submitted Yet

Statue of Peace Designated as "Illegal Facility," Removal Requested Within a Month
Need to Review Communication Methods on Hanbat University Merger and Semiconductor Research Institute Construction
Verification Needed for Expertise in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
"No Confirmation Hearing Request Submitted... How Can We Vet the Nominee?"

The confirmation hearing for Lee Jinsuk, nominee for Minister of Education, is expected to take place on the 16th. However, concerns have been raised that adequate vetting will be difficult, as the necessary documents for verifying the nominee have not yet been submitted, even though the hearing date has already been set.

According to the National Assembly and the education sector on the 4th, it has been reported that Lee has not yet submitted a request for a confirmation hearing to the National Assembly.

Multiple officials from the National Assembly's Education Committee stated, "The confirmation hearing for Lee is scheduled for the 16th, but we have not yet received any of the required documents from Lee's side," adding, "There are no materials available for verification."

Lee Jinsuk, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education nominee, arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Educational Facilities Safety Institute in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 30th, responding to questions from the press. 2025.06.30 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

Jo Junghoon, a member of the People Power Party and the opposition secretary of the National Assembly Education Committee, also pointed out on Facebook on the 3rd, "The request for a confirmation hearing has not even arrived at the National Assembly, yet the hearing date has already been set," adding, "The legally mandated order of 'materials → consultation → schedule' has been reversed." He further criticized, "There are no basic materials to verify the nominee's capabilities, so on what grounds are we supposed to set the date first?"

While the Democratic Party has taken the lead in setting the confirmation hearing date for Lee, the People Power Party maintains that more time is needed. They believe there is insufficient time to thoroughly vet the issues that have already emerged, such as controversies over university management during Lee's tenure as president of Chungnam National University, the merger between Chungnam National University and Hanbat National University, and conflicts over the removal of the Statue of Peace.

Lee has faced criticism for allegedly pushing the merger with Hanbat National University in a coercive manner during her presidency. She also sparked controversy on campus by proceeding with a development plan to build a semiconductor research institute in the Im Sangdo 5th grade pine forest, a unique grove near the west gate of Chungnam National University. In particular, she has been criticized for a lack of historical and social sensitivity and educational philosophy, as it has been confirmed that she designated the 'Statue of Peace,' which was voluntarily installed on campus by students and alumni, as an 'illegal facility' and demanded its removal.

According to official documents from Chungnam National University obtained by Asia Economy, the university, under the president's name, sent a letter to the chairperson of the Chungnam National University Statue of Peace Promotion Committee on August 22, 2022, stating, "The Statue of Peace was installed near the lawn plaza by the west gate of the Daedeok Campus without the university's approval," and requesting, "Please restore the area to its original state by September 22, 2022." The letter added, "If the matter is not resolved by the specified date, it may be handled in accordance with relevant laws, such as Article 74 of the State Property Act (Removal of Illegal Facilities)."

Article 74 of the State Property Act stipulates that "If state property is occupied or facilities are installed without just cause, the heads of central government offices may remove them or take other necessary measures in accordance with the Administrative Execution Act." In effect, this means that if the Statue of Peace was not removed within a month, legal action would be taken.

The Chungnam National University Democratic Alumni Association issued a statement on the 1st, criticizing, "She demonstrated a disappointing level of historical awareness, including mobilizing faculty to intimidate students."

Progressive-leaning education organizations have also pointed out that Lee, as a former university president, lacks expertise in the fields of early childhood, elementary, and secondary education.

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union issued a statement on the 29th of last month, saying, "While Lee's capabilities have been verified in certain areas, such as strengthening the competitiveness of national universities and fostering regional universities, there is little evidence of her having practical experience in addressing issues in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education," adding, "Thorough vetting is needed to determine whether she is the right person to reform the many pressing issues in education."

The National Movement Headquarters for Education Reform also stated in a press release on the 1st, "Can we entrust general education to someone who has never made a sincere statement about how to reform early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school education?" The group added, "We cannot help but question whether the Lee Jaemyung administration is truly interested in genuine education reform."

A representative of the headquarters commented, "Even among nationwide educational activity organizations, there is no record of Lee having engaged in any education-related movements," adding, "If the Minister of Education, who is supposed to design and lead education in Korea, has never even met with those who discuss education, we must question whether she is truly qualified for the position."