Yeo, Adoption of Byeon Chang-heum's Hearing Report in Sight... Opposition: "Unfit" "Should Face Legal Action"

Democratic Party Likely to Secure Majority Vote in Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee
Despite Byeon Chang-heum's '90-Degree Apology,' Persistent Offensive
Controversy Again Over "Women Because of Makeup" Remark

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport nominee Byeon Chang-heum is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to adopt the personnel hearing report for nominee Byun Chang-heum, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, despite various controversies surrounding him. The People Power Party has pressured that they will pursue judicial procedures, and the Justice Party also judged him as 'unqualified.' However, since the Democratic Party holds a majority in the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, approval is possible even if the opposition opposes.

On the 24th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at an emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly, "Considering the vulgarity of consciousness, corruption related to institution management, and a policy mindset aimed at reinforcing failed (real estate) policies, he is absolutely not someone who should be appointed as minister," adding, "If the appointment is forced, (the revealed illegalities) will inevitably lead to judicial action." On the other hand, Park Sang-hyuk, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said at a policy coordination meeting that day, "It has been revealed that most of the suspicions raised by the opposition are groundless," and "It was confirmed through the hearing that he possesses the appropriate qualifications and abilities as a candidate."

After fierce battles between the ruling and opposition parties, the hearing ended after more than 14 hours, past midnight. Although nominee Byun repeatedly bowed at a 90-degree angle to apologize, the opposition launched a relentless offensive. Kim Hee-guk, a People Power Party lawmaker, criticized, "He did not even possess the minimum dignity required as a human being, let alone as a cabinet member," and Park Sung-min, also from the People Power Party, sharpened his words, saying, "(Kim's remarks) stem from a sense of privilege and are a matter of values and life rather than a momentary slip of the tongue."

The Democratic Party highlighted nominee Byun's policy capabilities and came to his defense. Park Young-soon, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said, "I hope the candidate's sincere appearance of deep reflection and apology will be accepted," adding, "There were no violations of the seven major principles for excluding high-ranking public office candidates set by the Moon Jae-in administration, nor any moral issues that would prevent him from performing ministerial duties."

Nominee Byun also made controversial remarks during the hearing that day. While explaining his statement made during his tenure as president of the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) that "poor people cook and eat at home; who in their right mind would buy and eat," he said, "In the case of women, it is very delicate to have breakfast together because of makeup." In response, Jin Sun-mi, chairperson of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, pointed out, "There is a concern that this could promote prejudice against women," to which nominee Byun replied, "From the listeners' perspective, it seems it could have caused misunderstandings. I express my regret."

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