Confirmation hearings begin in earnest... Eyes turn to Kim Seung-won following Yong Hye-in's resignation

[Financial News] As the National Assembly confirmation hearings begin in earnest, Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, withdrew on the 13th following various controversies. Consequently, political attention is expected to focus on whether Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, will pass his confirmation hearing. Along with Yong, Kim has been under intense pressure since immediately following the Blue House's announcement of the cabinet reshuffle.
Candidate Yong held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on this day and announced that he would step down from his position as minister. This comes just two weeks after he was nominated. Immediately after his nomination, Candidate Yong faced intense criticism regarding the Basic Income Party's "family party" controversy, including the appointment of his spouse to a party position, as well as his history of activities in "underground organizations." Furthermore, Candidate Yong became embroiled in controversy once again by stating that he would not accept the previous custom of proportional representation lawmakers relinquishing their parliamentary seats upon joining the cabinet.
Consequently, not only the People Power Party but even the ruling Democratic Party of Korea has effectively begun the process of cutting ties with Candidate Yong, deeming the various controversies surrounding him inappropriate. In particular, there was an indignant reaction within the party after Candidate Yong held a press conference on the 10th and criticized the Democratic Party, stating that "even the Democratic Party is being swept up in speculation and malicious propaganda."
On the 11th, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-kook pointed out, "Will the sight of someone holding a 35-minute press conference and refuting point by point, appearing as if they are fighting with the people, really be viewed favorably by public sentiment?" He added, "Even if the candidate has something to explain, shouldn't they show a humble attitude in line with the public's expectations rather than fighting and arguing?"
Candidate Yong revealed at a press conference that day that the Democratic Party had been urging him to resign. Feeling the pressure from public opinion, the Democratic Party stepped forward directly. Immediately after Candidate Yong’s resignation press conference, Kim Tae-sun, Chief of Staff to the Democratic Party Leader, stated on his social media, "As Chief of Staff, I conveyed to Candidate Yong the recommendation for voluntary resignation from Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok, which summarized public sentiment."
The People Power Party characterized Candidate Yong's resignation as "justice prevailing." Choi Bo-yoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated, "Candidate Yong's resignation is a natural result brought about by the stern voices of the people demanding common sense and fairness." However, she pointed out, "He did not step down voluntarily. It is merely a 'reluctant conclusion' reached when he was forced to step down after stubbornly holding out, undeterred by public condemnation, only to find he could no longer withstand the backlash from seething public sentiment."
At the same time, they argued, "This by no means covers up the suspicions of past illegalities and irregular practices," adding, "Candidate Yong should not gloss over the situation with a 'cut-off' in the form of resignation, but must reveal the truth behind all allegations raised so far to the public in detail and undergo a thorough investigation."
Now, leaving the withdrawn nominee Yong behind, the eyes of the political world are turning toward the confirmation hearing for nominee Kim, scheduled for the 15th. Immediately after his nomination, Kim was criticized by the People Power Party to the effect that he is a "Minister of Justice who will carry out the withdrawal of indictments against President Lee Jae-myung." On top of this, controversies are mounting over allegations of "new drug lobbying" and the selection of the child of a judge acquaintance as a legislative assistant in a lawmaker's office.
The Democratic Party continues to defend Nominee Kim day after day despite these allegations. They argue that there are no issues regarding cases for which legal conclusions have already been reached. Furthermore, Nominee Kim maintains the position that he will faithfully explain the various allegations and controversies currently raised against him through the confirmation hearing.
On the other hand, the People Power Party is taking a confrontational stance, stating that Candidate Kim is next following Candidate Yong's resignation. On this day, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk posted on social media, "In the end, Candidate Yong stepped down. Now it is Candidate Kim's turn," listing the various controversies in which Candidate Kim is implicated. He further argued, "The goal of installing Candidate Kim (as Minister of Justice) was wrong from the start," adding, "There is only one reason for pushing Candidate Kim through despite all these flaws. Ultimately, it is to withdraw the indictment against President Lee himself."
[email protected] Kim Hyung-gu Reporter