Tensions are rising in South Korea’s National Assembly as lawmakers argue over a key appointment and a major budget. The focus centers on the people’s confirmation hearing for Kim Min-seok, nominated for prime minister by President Lee Jae-myung. This event reflects increasing division between the ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party.
The People Power Party announced Sunday it will hold a people’s confirmation hearing for Kim. The event will happen Monday at 11 a.m., outside of the National Assembly. According to Rep. Song Eon-seog, the hearing will involve ordinary citizens. These include young adults, North Korean defectors, and various professionals.
The party criticized the formal two-day hearing held last week. It claimed key witnesses were absent, especially regarding Kim’s financial controversies. Rep. Joo Jin-woo highlighted unexplained spending. In 2020, Kim’s declared assets totaled 500 million won. However, he allegedly spent 1.3 billion won without supporting documents.
Kim also faces criticism for not providing proof of his son’s US tuition payments. Additionally, the prime minister nominee has a legal history. In 2005, he was convicted of accepting illegal funds from SK Group. Another ruling in 2010 confirmed he took money from aides in a slush fund scheme. Despite this, the Democratic Party continues to support Kim. Holding 167 seats in the 300-seat Assembly, it seeks to approve his nomination. Party leaders requested a plenary session for Monday to move forward with the vote.
However, the Speaker’s office has not responded to the request. Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung suggested they could vote on July 4. That session also involves a review of President Lee’s 20.2 trillion won extra budget proposal. The People Power Party objects to parts of the budget. One issue is the plan to distribute cash vouchers based on income levels. The proposal offers between 150,000 and 520,000 won per person.
Last Friday, political drama continued as the opposition walked out of a session. The Assembly still elected four committee chairs during that time. The people’s confirmation hearing adds pressure as the two major parties continue to clash. With growing stakes, both Kim’s nomination and the extra budget remain hot issues this week.
