Nominee Lee Jong-seop's Confirmation Hearing on the 28th

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The National Defense Committee of the National Assembly will hold a confirmation hearing for Lee Jong-seop, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, on the morning of the 28th. During this hearing, questions are expected to focus on the verification of personal background, including the process of wealth accumulation by the nominee.

According to the confirmation hearing request for Lee Jong-seop, he reported a total of 2.31152 billion KRW in assets held by himself, his spouse, and his second daughter. The nominee is a multi-homeowner, owning an apartment in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (1.54 billion KRW) and an apartment in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (799 million KRW), both jointly owned with his spouse. Among these, the Jamsil apartment was leased under a jeonse contract for 588 million KRW. When Lee served as the Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he lived in the official residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, while renting out both apartments, drawing criticism for the so-called ‘official residence tech’ privilege. If appointed as Minister of National Defense, he will be eligible to move into the official residence.

It is uncertain whether the confirmation hearing report will be adopted on the day of the hearing.

President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol described Lee in the request letter as "the top expert in the defense sector, equipped with rich experience and broad insight across various fields."

He added, "He is the optimal candidate for Minister of National Defense who will strengthen the security and defense posture of the Republic of Korea and implement the future-oriented defense operation direction of the new government."

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