Nomination Hearing Report for Choi Jae-ha, Candidate for Board of Audit and Inspection Chief, Adopts 'Qualified' Opinion

Candidate Choi Jae-hae for the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and adjusted his glasses while reviewing documents. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The National Assembly's Special Committee on Personnel Hearings immediately adopted the personnel hearing review report containing a 'suitable' opinion on nominee Choi Jae-hae for the Chairperson of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) right after the hearing on the 2nd.

The hearing committee members from both ruling and opposition parties stated in the report, "The nominee has been working at the BAI for 28 years since 1989 and is evaluated as having abundant experience and expertise in audit administration as an audit expert," adding, "As the first nominee for BAI Chairperson from within the BAI, he possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the public audit field and is judged to have the necessary abilities and qualities to perform the duties of the Chairperson smoothly."

However, they noted, "During the hearing process, the nominee failed to express a clear stance on issues such as the political neutrality controversy of the former BAI Chairperson, the public audit request by about 550 Seongnam residents regarding the preferential treatment allegations in the Daejang-dong development project, criticisms that audits on Seongnam City and Seongnam Urban Development Corporation were not properly conducted in the past, and suspicions of Blue House involvement in BAI personnel matters," adding, "His answers were insufficient regarding the audit on the validity of the early shutdown decision of Wolseong Unit 1, the special recruitment of secondary education public officials by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, and the need for re-audit related to the sale of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering."

The hearing concluded after 5 hours and 20 minutes.

The hearing committee members mainly focused their questions on the Daejang-dong development project allegations and the political activities following former Chairperson Choi Jae-hyung's mid-term resignation, rather than personal background checks or policy inquiries about nominee Choi.

In his closing remarks, nominee Choi said, "I have come to realize once again how high the expectations for the BAI are and how powerful the position of the Chairperson is," adding, "I will uphold the values of independence in duty and political neutrality and faithfully carry out the fundamental mission entrusted to the BAI from the perspective of the people."

If nominee Choi assumes the position of BAI Chairperson, he will become the first Chairperson from within the BAI since its establishment in 1963.

The nomination consent bill for nominee Choi is scheduled to be voted on as soon as the National Assembly plenary session is convened.

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