Kim Min-seok Prime Minister nominee's confirmation hearing enters second day… Presidential Office "No grounds for disqualification"

The National Assembly's confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok is continuing for the second day on the 25th.

The People Power Party is launching an all-out offensive to find flaws in Kim, while the Presidential Office appears to have solidified its stance that "there are no matters warranting disqualification" concerning the suspicions raised about the nominee.

Given the symbolic significance of being the first Prime Minister nominee of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the ruling party appears to be leaning towards a direct confrontation.

"No serious disqualifying issues"… Presidential Office monitoring the progress of the hearing

A senior official from the Presidential Office stated, "We will monitor the remaining hearing process, but as of now, there are no suspicions raised that would be considered grounds for disqualification."

On the first day of the confirmation hearing, key issues included the process of asset formation, the attainment of a master's degree, and allegations related to his children's college admissions. In response, Kim stated, "There was nothing illegal or unjust."

In particular, the People Power Party focused on Kim's reported excess expenditures of about 600 million won over the past five years and intensified questioning about the sources of his funds. In response, Kim explained, "In addition to my salary, there was income from book publication events and gift money, including about 160 million won in condolence money, 250 million won from two book publication events, and 200 million won received from my mother-in-law for living expenses." He also added that a gift money of 100 million won was entirely passed on to his mother-in-law.

Denying the 'dad chance' controversy outright… also addressing the Tsinghua University degree

Regarding the so-called 'dad chance' allegations that his child received preferential treatment in club activities while attending high school by utilizing his position as a member of the National Assembly, Kim dismissed the claim, stating, "It was my child's voluntary activity, and there was no use of my position as a lawmaker."

In response to claims that his master's degree in law from Tsinghua University is fraudulent, he rebutted, "Tsinghua University is a prestigious national university, and such manipulation could not occur."

However, the People Power Party continues to question Kim's explanations. They raised concerns, particularly noting that "considering the unverified income levels and debt relations, as well as the costs of studying abroad for his children, the explanations are insufficient," leading to further assaults.

Ruling party's offensive, Presidential Office's speed… Democratic Party's unilateral confirmation possible

The Presidential Office believes that Kim has sufficiently addressed each issue during the hearing. Unless serious disqualifying issues arise, they plan to focus on expediting the confirmation process.

With numerous national agenda items pending, there is a shared perception of the need for a rapid appointment of a Prime Minister. President Lee Jae-myung also emphasized on the 23rd that "International conditions are rapidly changing, and the economic situation is serious," requesting that "the confirmation process proceed swiftly so the Cabinet can respond quickly to crises."

According to Article 86 of the Constitution, the appointment of the Prime Minister requires the consent of the National Assembly, necessitating a majority of the registered members present and the approval of a majority of those present. The Democratic Party currently holds 167 seats, making unilateral confirmation possible.

The Democratic Party plans to process the confirmation proposal for nominee Kim within the current June session of the National Assembly. If discussions between the ruling and opposition parties fail, there is speculation about the possibility of a unilateral vote before the scheduled additional budget processing on the 30th of this month or before the 4th of the following month.

Image source: Kim Min-seok Prime Minister nominee / News1, News1, President Lee Jae-myung / News1