Appointment Expected to Be Finalized This Week
People Power Party Holds Forum on System Reforms
President Lee Jaemyung's request for the resubmission of the personnel hearing report for Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is a choice that involves accepting political risk. Although Kang has drawn concerns from not only the opposition but also progressive women's and civic groups, President Lee's decision reflects his intention to trust her capabilities and assign her the role. The issue is that he must now bear the full political burden of the outcome.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong stated in a briefing on the 22nd, "We have requested the deadline to be set for the 24th in order to complete the appointment within this week and swiftly stabilize state affairs," and explained, "The deadline was determined by considering the resubmission period stipulated in Article 6 of the Personnel Hearing Act, past precedents, and the fact that the request deadlines for the Ministers of National Defense and Patriots and Veterans Affairs fall on Saturday (the 26th) of this week." The resubmission request this time covers four individuals: Minister of National Defense nominee Ahn Kyubaek, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs nominee Kwon Oeul, Minister of Unification nominee Chung Dongyoung, as well as Kang Sunwoo. This demonstrates the administration's determination to end nearly 50 days of 'cohabitation' with the previous Yoon Sukyeol cabinet, which continued after the launch of the new government without a presidential transition committee.
As President Lee signals his intention to appoint Kang, the leadership of the ruling party is also beginning to show support. Some within the party, particularly ruling party lawmakers who previously worked as aides, are suggesting that they should step up to assist Kang. However, there are concerns that defending Kang too hastily, given the negative public opinion both inside and outside the party, could further fuel controversy.
Calls for reforming the personnel hearing system are also growing within political circles. There are arguments that submission of materials and other requirements should be made mandatory to prevent 'empty hearings' lacking witnesses, references, or sufficient documentation. On the 23rd, People Power Party lawmakers Kim Heejung, Kim Eunhye, and Seo Myeongok held a forum at the National Assembly to diagnose the problems of the hearing system.
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized, "Appointments that do not meet public expectations are undermining the effectiveness of hearings." Lawmaker Kim Heejung also said, "In this hearing, nominees failed to submit key documents and repeatedly lied and perjured themselves, which left us feeling powerless," adding, "We must correct these issues by amending the Personnel Hearing Act." Professor Son Byeongkwon of Chung-Ang University stated, "It is necessary to either strengthen the U.S.-style pre-verification system led by the White House or mandate the submission of basic verification documents."
There were also suggestions that the verification of policy competence should be strengthened. Since hearings have focused too heavily on examining nominees' morality, it was proposed that the process be divided into a closed ethics hearing and a public competence hearing.
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