Rival parties clash as confirmation hearings begin for Cabinet nominees

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly commenced confirmation hearings for three Cabinet positions on Tuesday, with rival parties clashing over allegations surrounding Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won. At the forefront of scrutiny is Kim, who faces accusations of illegal lobbying in 2021 to secure approval for a COVID-19 treatment.

Kim expressed regret over the public concerns his alleged lobbying may have caused, assuring lawmakers he would provide detailed answers to their questions. The hearing commenced with an acrimonious start as rival parties engaged in heated exchanges over accusations involving a social cooperative where Kim's wife works.

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) raised concerns about Kim's fitness to serve as justice minister, criticizing his involvement with a group of ruling party lawmakers demanding the dropping of criminal indictments against President Lee Jae Myung. The ruling Democratic Party, on the other hand, accused independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon of leaking sensitive investigative material in a politically motivated attempt to discredit Kim, questioning the source of the information he provided.

Han presented a series of phone conversation transcripts and recordings between Kim and a broker, alleging that the nominee exerted undue influence over the food and drug safety ministry. The National Assembly also initiated confirmation hearings for Finance Minister nominee Lee Hyoung-il and Lee So-young, the nominee for the ministry of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Both nominees face separate controversies related to real estate issues. While Cabinet nominees undergo parliamentary confirmation hearings, their appointments do not necessitate parliamentary approval.