Democratic Party's Gwangju Branch Responds to National Innovation Party's Public Criticism
"Personnel Verification, Not Political Disputes, Should Be the Focus"
Cho Kuk, leader of the National Innovation Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News
Cho Kuk, leader of the National Innovation Party, criticized the nomination of Lee Hyehoon, former lawmaker of the United Future Party, as the first Minister of Planning and Budget in the Lee Jaemyung administration, stating, "There is no reason to cheer or applaud." Meanwhile, the Gwangju City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea cautioned against escalating political disputes, emphasizing the need for verification based on policy and expertise.
According to coverage by The Asia Business Daily on the 30th, Cho made these remarks to reporters after paying his respects at the memorial altar for the late Ahn Seong Rye, the first director of the May Mothers' House, the previous day. He said, "Before the presidential election, there was a public pledge by the four opposition parties that fought together against insurrection and martial law, but it seems that upholding and implementing this promise has been delayed or postponed." He continued, "I cannot cheer for entrusting the nation's finances to someone who defended insurrection and martial law and chanted 'Yoon Again.'"
Cho further stated, "Lee Hyehoon explained that she attended the rally because she was swept up in the atmosphere, but it is questionable for a person set to become a cabinet minister to display such judgment." He added, "I have heard that even within the People Power Party, there is significant criticism of the nominee. I would also like to point out whether the People Power Party, which was the main party behind the insurrection, has the right to make such remarks." He concluded, "Going forward, it is essential to thoroughly verify whether the nominee upholds the principles of a democratic republic, whether she is motivated by personal ambition, and what her professional capabilities are."
Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is apologizing for past remarks as he arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 30th. Lee stated, "Insurrection is an illegal act that destroys democracy," and apologized, saying, "However, at the time, I did not fully understand the reality." Photo by Yonhap News Agency
In response, the Gwangju City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea issued a statement saying, "The evaluation of the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget should focus on national governance philosophy, fiscal management expertise, and administrative capabilities." The branch further pointed out, "An approach that fixates solely on political interpretations of attendance at specific rallies may obscure the essence of personnel verification."
The Gwangju City branch also stated, "Raising issues regarding the nominee's past actions should be addressed through the confirmation hearing, by examining her awareness, judgment, and stance on democratic constitutional order." The statement added, "Solidarity and cooperation refer to consensus on the direction of national administration and policy, and should not be interpreted as a promise to restrict the president's constitutional authority over appointments." Furthermore, the branch noted, "Politically expanding personnel issues at a memorial event with significant regional symbolism could lead to unnecessary controversy."
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