Regarding Im Hye-sook Controversy, Ruling Party Says "People Power Must Stop Smearing Candidates"

Minister of Science and ICT nominee Lim Hye-sook is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 4th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the ruling People Power Party on the 4th for being "preoccupied with tarnishing the candidate with distorted claims" during the ongoing confirmation hearing of Im Hye-sook, the nominee for Minister of Science and ICT.

Han Junho, the party’s floor spokesperson, said in a briefing that day, "After thoroughly reviewing the entire process of recommending Im as the chairperson of NST (National Science and Technology Research Council), the qualification requirements, and the disqualification clauses in the council’s bylaws, there are absolutely no legal or procedural issues."

The People Power Party criticized at the hearing that although the disqualification clause for the NST chairperson position stated 'a person not affiliated with any political party,' the candidate held membership in the Democratic Party at the time of applying for the NST chairperson position.

Spokesperson Han responded, "It means that one should not serve as chairperson while affiliated with a political party, but it does not restrict applying for or being recommended as a chairperson candidate," adding, "This is clearly a misrepresentation of facts, something even a child would understand."

He also pointed out, "The claim that the candidate plagiarized a thesis by publishing a paper similar to her student's master's thesis in an academic journal stems from ignorance of science and engineering theses and research processes."

He emphasized, "On the contrary, as an advisor, she conducted joint research with her student and even helped get the paper published in an academic journal," highlighting that "this proves she is a capable ministerial candidate who has worked hard for the advancement of the science and technology sector."

He then appealed to the People Power Party, saying, "The confirmation hearing is a place to verify the candidate’s abilities and qualifications. Please stop opposing just for the sake of opposition," and urged, "We hope you will stop unnecessary attempts to tarnish the candidate with distorted facts."

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