Confirmation Hearings for Ministerial Nominees Begin on July 14
Opposition Criticism Continues Over Kang Sunwoo's Nomination
Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sungtae pressed Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, to make a decision regarding her position amid the ongoing controversy over her alleged abuse of power, stating, "It would be best for her to relieve President Lee Jaemyung of the burden of state affairs herself."
On July 15, Kim appeared on BBS Radio's "Morning Journal with Keum Taeseop" and said, "In the case of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the minister plays the most leading role in breaking discrimination and prejudice against youth, children, and other socially disadvantaged groups so that they can live well in our society." He continued, "No matter that she is a sitting lawmaker, public opinion has deteriorated significantly, making this an issue that President Lee Jaemyung cannot help but seriously consider."
He added, "A National Assembly member is a 'super-gap' in terms of power over their aides in the National Assembly. If there were suspicions of abuse of power, an apology and a general acknowledgment could have come across as sincere to the public." He also pointed out, "However, there is controversy over the lawsuits and complaints against two former aides, and even the explanation about the toilet repair changed from a denial to saying it was a local aide." He went on to say, "Right now, the Democratic Party's position is so firm that they are saying that not a single one of the 18 nominees will fail the confirmation hearing. In this situation, it would be best for her to relieve President Lee Jaemyung of the burden of state affairs herself."
Song Eonseok, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, also targeted Kang Sunwoo on the same day, stating, "At this point, she should make her own decision regarding her position." At a party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, Song raised the issue of the abuse of power allegations against Kang, saying, "Judging from the results of yesterday's hearing, the public could not help but laugh in disbelief."
Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is attending the confirmation hearing held on the 14th at the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Previously, starting on July 14, confirmation hearings began for Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family; Bae Kyunghoon, nominee for Minister of Science and ICT; Jeong Dongyoung, nominee for Minister of Unification; and Jeon Jaesoo, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. Among them, the abuse of power allegations against Kang have been growing by the day, but it still appears difficult to predict her withdrawal. This is because the administration is at its strongest during the early days of its term, and because Kang is a sitting lawmaker, the scrutiny from her fellow lawmakers on the confirmation committee may be relatively mild. Additionally, from the ruling party's perspective, it is burdensome that there has never been a case since the introduction of the confirmation hearing system in 2005 where a ministerial nominee who was a sitting lawmaker failed to be appointed before the official appointment.
Meanwhile, on July 15, confirmation hearings are scheduled for Kwon Oeul (Veterans Affairs), Han Seongsook (SMEs and Startups), Kim Sunhwan (Environment), Ahn Kyubaek (Defense Minister), and nominee for National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Gwanghyeon. On July 16, hearings will be held for Jeong Seongho (Justice), Kim Younghoon (Labor), and Lee Jinsook (Education). On July 17, Cho Hyun (Foreign Affairs), Kim Junggwan (Industry), and Koo Yooncheol (Ministry of Economy and Finance) will have their hearings, and on July 18, Yoon Hojoong (Ministry of the Interior and Safety) and Jeong Eunkyung (Health and Welfare) are scheduled for confirmation hearings.
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