Focus on Lee Jinsook's Explanation of Plagiarism and Child's Early Overseas Education Allegations
Ruling Party Also Vows "Thorough and Responsible Verification"
Kang Sunwoo's Workplace Bullying and Perjury Allegations in the Spotlight
At the confirmation hearing for Lee Jinsook, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education nominee, who has emerged as the most challenging appointment in President Lee Jaemyung's first cabinet selection, the opposition party intensely questioned her over various allegations, including plagiarism in academic papers and her child's overseas education. While the ruling party attempted to defend her, they could not hide their discomfort. On July 16, the third day of the so-called "Super Week" of confirmation hearings, the hearings were held for Lee Jinsook as well as Justice Minister nominee Jung Sungho and Employment and Labor Minister nominee Kim Younghoon. However, the main focus remained on Lee Jinsook, who has been embroiled in controversy since her nomination was announced.
During the confirmation hearing for Lee Jinsook at the National Assembly's Education Committee on the 16th, the opposition party requested the submission of materials related to "reports and dispositions of violations of labor relations laws." They also demanded documents related to allegations of workplace bullying and abuse of power. In addition, the opposition called for evidence concerning allegations of plagiarism in academic papers and documentation regarding her child's early overseas education.
As the opposition intensified its offensive against Lee Jinsook, concerns within the ruling party have also deepened. Baek Seungah, Democratic Party floor spokesperson and member of the Education Committee, stated in an MBC radio interview, "It is necessary to listen carefully to Lee Jinsook's explanations." However, regarding the fact that typographical errors were identically repeated in her papers, as well as the controversy over violations of the law and sending her child abroad for early education, Baek added, "I expect the nominee to provide a responsible explanation."
Cho Junghoon, the People Power Party's Education Committee secretary, remarked, "I have never seen a nominee with so many issues and so much consistent opposition from both left- and right-leaning education groups," adding, "To be honest, I thought today's hearing would not even take place."
The situation is also becoming increasingly serious for Kang Sunwoo, Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee. Even though the President can proceed with the appointment without the National Assembly's adoption of the confirmation hearing report, public opinion remains a variable. Despite undergoing the hearing, the controversy has not subsided.
Lee Jinsook, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education nominee, is delivering an opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Education Committee on the 16th. 2025.7.16 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
A first-term Democratic Party lawmaker also commented, "There is a need to present a more convincing position." The People Power Party is reportedly considering filing a perjury complaint, and has raised the level of response against Kang Sunwoo by submitting a petition to the Ministry of Labor regarding allegations of workplace bullying and retaliatory abuse of power.
The opposition also raised questions about Defense Minister nominee Ahn Kyubaek's military service. Song Eonseok, acting chairman and floor leader of the People Power Party, held an emergency press conference on the same day, stating, "How did a short-term soldier, who was supposed to serve 14 months, end up serving 22 months? There are suspicions that he may have been a reservist who spent time in military detention. How can he command authority with such doubts?"
The Office of the President has also shown subtle changes in its stance regarding the controversies surrounding Lee Jinsook and Kang Sunwoo. Women's organizations and National Assembly staff have continued to express concerns about Kang Sunwoo, while the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (Jeon Gyojo) has called for Lee Jinsook's voluntary resignation and for the President to withdraw her nomination.
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Office of the President, stated at a briefing the previous day, "We are examining the situation carefully, and we are also closely reviewing the explanations and their persuasiveness." Compared to her earlier statement at a July 13 briefing, "We will observe the nominee's explanations and make a judgment," this reflects a more cautious stance.
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