Candidate Jo Seung-hwan's Hearing Disrupted by Incomplete Document Submission... Further Struggles Expected in the Afternoon

Cho Seung-hwan, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 4th and taking the oath as a witness. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The confirmation hearing for Cho Seung-hwan, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, held by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, was disrupted on the morning of the 4th after a tense standoff between the ruling and opposition parties, but resumed around 2:15 PM. This was due to the refusal to submit and allow inspection of documents necessary for verifying the qualifications of the public office candidate, including Cho's military service records and his eldest son's bank deposit details.

The National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee convened the hearing for Cho on that day but was unable to begin questioning and recessed after 53 minutes.

The Democratic Party of Korea argued that there was insufficient documentation related to military service exemption and insisted that the hearing be postponed until all documents were submitted.

Democratic Party lawmaker Joo Cheol-hyun criticized, "If sensitive personal information is not submitted, then why would one want to hold public office instead of freely enjoying private life?" He added, "They are not prepared or willing to undergo the hearing." He further stated, "We cannot proceed with the meeting based solely on promises of submission. We have been deceived more than once."

Fellow party member Eo Ki-gu demanded the submission of documents, saying, "Documents from the time of withdrawal from the Korea Military Academy, bankbook details of relatives related to the gift of an apartment in Suseo-dong, Gangnam-gu, to the eldest son, and changes in the eldest son's bank deposit balance due to gift tax payments have not been submitted."

In response, Lee Man-hee of the People Power Party said, "It is reasonable for hearing committee members to request documents for verification," but criticized, "Statements suggesting that there were instructions from the elected candidate or campaign regarding document submission, and remarks like 'we have been deceived more than once,' are quite inappropriate to hear."

Another member of the same party, Lee Yang-su, said, "If there is evidence that attempts were made to evade military service, it should be proven during the questioning that the candidate is unqualified for public office," and criticized, "The hearing is a promise to the public and should not be delayed by unilateral claims."

Acting Chairperson Wi Sung-gon said, "Requesting basic documents is necessary for verification during the hearing process," and urged, "If the candidate does not agree and the documents are not submitted, but the suspicions are resolved after reviewing the documents, questioning may be unnecessary, so submission is needed."

In response, nominee Cho said, "I will submit all documents that can be submitted or inspected among those requested," but lamented, "However, it is difficult because my children have already clearly 'disagreed.' It is really hard to obtain their consent."

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