Han Seong-sook, the Prime Minister nominee, arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on June 22. [Photo=Yonhap News]
As the confirmation hearing for Han Seong-sook, the Prime Minister nominee, approaches on June 25-26, tensions are rising between the ruling and opposition parties. The People Power Party (PPP) has called for President Yoon Suk-yeol to withdraw Han's nomination, while the Democratic Party has dismissed this as an "exaggerated claim."
Members of the PPP's confirmation hearing special committee held a press conference on June 24, stating that nearly 40% of the 1,170 documents requested from Han were not submitted. They also emphasized that the Democratic Party opposed all witness selections.
During the press conference, committee members Kang Seung-kyu, Kim Hee-jung, Kim Seon-kyo, and Jo Jeong-hun criticized Han for failing to provide adequate documentation regarding allegations of "improper gifting" raised last year, including proof of gift tax payments and evidence of farming land ownership in Yangpyeong. They stated, "There is no documentation where there are allegations. It is not that the documents are missing; they are simply not being submitted."
They also pointed out that Han, who was previously a multiple property owner, disposed of assets just before the hearing, claiming, "Neither of the two transactions even included contracts, making it a mere declaration of sale without evidence to avoid the hearing." They condemned, "A hearing without documents or witnesses is not a hearing. We demand that Han submit proper documentation before the hearing."
The call for President Yoon to withdraw Han's nomination was echoed by PPP Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong, who referenced the recent personal data leak incident involving 'Everyone's Startup.' He urged, "According to the standards set by President Yoon, Han is subject to punitive fines and class-action lawsuits. He must explain how these principles can coexist with this appointment." Kang also stated on his Facebook that Han's nomination should be immediately withdrawn.
Despite the PPP's ongoing attacks on Han, the Democratic Party has dismissed these claims as unreasonable. They argue that raising issues before the hearing even begins is absurd, especially since the allegations against Han were sufficiently addressed during her previous confirmation process as Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups.
Democratic Party committee member Kim Han-kyu criticized the PPP on Facebook on June 22, stating, "The PPP is making absurd demands for the withdrawal of the nomination based on unreasonable reasons. We should listen to the nominee's position and explanations during the hearing. I hope we can focus on meaningful verification during the confirmation process."
He further emphasized during a subsequent meeting that the PPP's claim that the country needs personnel to revive the economy while simultaneously arguing that a nominee from Naver should not be Prime Minister is ridiculous. He urged the PPP to stop making outdated claims and to properly conclude the confirmation process.
Political analysts predict that the PPP will intensify its offensive during the hearing, given the obstacles faced in witness selection and document submission. However, with the ruling party holding a majority in the National Assembly and President Yoon emphasizing a "speedy approach" in his second year of office, the confirmation process is expected to proceed smoothly, including the adoption of the progress report and the approval of the nomination agreement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.