The Democratic Party and the People Power Party continued their debate over the qualifications of five ministerial nominees during the second day of confirmation hearings on September 16. The People Power Party urged the withdrawal of nominations for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, and Hong Ji-sun, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. In contrast, the Democratic Party emphasized the expertise of both candidates, calling for cooperation in the hearings.
Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "Both nominees are unqualified and should have their nominations withdrawn. We need to appoint new individuals who can boldly reform the government."
He criticized Kang for failing to report his son's commercial property purchase, questioning, "How can a Minister of National Defense respond to North Korean provocations if he is unaware of his son borrowing 700 million won?" Regarding Hong, he expressed concern that the real estate policies would continue to be influenced by the Seongnam and Gyeonggi-do connections that have been part of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which he believes has failed in its policy direction.
On the other hand, Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, argued during a Supreme Council meeting in Daejeon that both security and housing stability are directly related to the lives and daily routines of the people, stating, "We do not have time to waste on partisan tactics." He emphasized that Kang is a four-star general and a seasoned expert in security and military strategy, while Hong is an expert in urban, housing, and transportation administration, having served as the head of urban housing in Gyeonggi-do and as the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land.
The exchanges between the two parties continued in the confirmation hearing. Lim Jong-deuk, the People Power Party's secretary for the National Defense Committee, questioned the lack of witness selection, stating, "How can we proceed with verification when the verification through witnesses is blocked and relevant materials are not properly submitted?" In response, Democratic Party secretary Kim Byeong-joo accused the People Power Party of trying to turn the hearing into a political offensive by demanding witnesses from the Blue House personnel line, including Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff.
The debate surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, also continued. Jung criticized the Democratic Party for turning the hearing into a melodrama, stating, "They couldn't even provide a proper explanation for their own allegations, and instead exchanged tears. The Democratic Party is conducting the hearings in a biased manner while offering embarrassing praise. Is this a confirmation hearing or a political 'super chat'?"
He referenced the case of Cho Kuk, the former Minister of Justice, who was appointed despite negative public opinion in 2019 but resigned after just over a month, suggesting that Kim could also face protests if appointed.
In contrast, Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, and Democratic Party secretary Kim Ui-gyeom held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "No significant disqualifying factors that would obstruct the performance of duties have been identified," urging the People Power Party to stop unnecessary allegations and cooperate in adopting the confirmation report. Seo emphasized the urgency of filling the current vacancy in the Ministry of Justice, stating, "As chair, I will strive to expedite the adoption process. We will work together to resolve this issue."
Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "Both nominees are unqualified and should have their nominations withdrawn. We need to appoint new individuals who can boldly reform the government."
He criticized Kang for failing to report his son's commercial property purchase, questioning, "How can a Minister of National Defense respond to North Korean provocations if he is unaware of his son borrowing 700 million won?" Regarding Hong, he expressed concern that the real estate policies would continue to be influenced by the Seongnam and Gyeonggi-do connections that have been part of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which he believes has failed in its policy direction.
On the other hand, Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, argued during a Supreme Council meeting in Daejeon that both security and housing stability are directly related to the lives and daily routines of the people, stating, "We do not have time to waste on partisan tactics." He emphasized that Kang is a four-star general and a seasoned expert in security and military strategy, while Hong is an expert in urban, housing, and transportation administration, having served as the head of urban housing in Gyeonggi-do and as the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land.
The exchanges between the two parties continued in the confirmation hearing. Lim Jong-deuk, the People Power Party's secretary for the National Defense Committee, questioned the lack of witness selection, stating, "How can we proceed with verification when the verification through witnesses is blocked and relevant materials are not properly submitted?" In response, Democratic Party secretary Kim Byeong-joo accused the People Power Party of trying to turn the hearing into a political offensive by demanding witnesses from the Blue House personnel line, including Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff.
The debate surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, also continued. Jung criticized the Democratic Party for turning the hearing into a melodrama, stating, "They couldn't even provide a proper explanation for their own allegations, and instead exchanged tears. The Democratic Party is conducting the hearings in a biased manner while offering embarrassing praise. Is this a confirmation hearing or a political 'super chat'?"
He referenced the case of Cho Kuk, the former Minister of Justice, who was appointed despite negative public opinion in 2019 but resigned after just over a month, suggesting that Kim could also face protests if appointed.
In contrast, Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, and Democratic Party secretary Kim Ui-gyeom held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "No significant disqualifying factors that would obstruct the performance of duties have been identified," urging the People Power Party to stop unnecessary allegations and cooperate in adopting the confirmation report. Seo emphasized the urgency of filling the current vacancy in the Ministry of Justice, stating, "As chair, I will strive to expedite the adoption process. We will work together to resolve this issue."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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