The Democratic Party adopts Byeon Chang-heum's confirmation report... Opposition party protests "null and void"

Among 26 members, 17 in favor and 9 abstained
Joo Ho-young "Criminal charges over preferential hiring allegations"
Justice Party also 'unqualified'... Sim Sang-jung "Going against the spirit of the times"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 28th, the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee adopted the personnel hearing report on nominee Byeon Chang-heum for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport amid opposition from People Power Party lawmakers.

On the morning of the same day, the Land Committee held a plenary session at the National Assembly and resolved to adopt the hearing report with 17 votes in favor and 9 abstentions out of 26 members present. The hearing report also included the opposition party's opinion of disqualification.

The People Power Party strongly opposed by shouting "withdraw the nomination" and "null and void," but failed to block the vote. Prior to the plenary session, People Power Party lawmakers held a press conference demanding the withdrawal of nominee Byeon, urging the Democratic Party of Korea to stop the forced adoption of the hearing report. Lawmaker Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party told reporters, "I heard that Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi's retirement ceremony is scheduled around 5 p.m. today," and criticized, "Why is the opposition party needed during the hearing process? This is a measure that degrades the National Assembly into a rubber stamp for President Moon."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the emergency committee meeting, "In addition to all sorts of unreasonable remarks, there are numerous issues such as the creation of a blacklist and allegations of preferential hiring of acquaintances," and added, "We will soon file a criminal complaint against nominee Byeon."

The Justice Party also expressed an opinion of 'disqualification.' Justice Party lawmaker Shim Sang-jung stated, "A series of remarks by nominee Byeon that go against the spirit of the times were difficult for the Justice Party to accept from the beginning," and added, "His low awareness of life and safety and lack of sensitivity to labor rights are anachronistic and greatly at odds with public sentiment. Please clearly describe these points in the hearing report."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.