People Power Party: "Han Deok-su Confirmation Hearing Should Not Involve Baseless Smearing"

Prime Minister nominee Han Duck-soo is stepping onto the podium in the briefing room on the 14th to attend the 3rd Cabinet announcement held at the 20th Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Seoul. / Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Heo Eun-ah, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, warned on the 24th, "The confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Han Deok-su will begin tomorrow and last for two days," adding, "It must not turn into the same kind of humiliation or baseless smear campaigns as in the past."

In a statement released that day, Chief Spokesperson Heo said, "Han's long experience and expertise will play a significant role in helping the newly launched Yoon Seok-yeol administration overcome the crisis currently facing South Korea," and added, "Instead of irresponsible black propaganda, the focus should be on thoroughly verifying his qualifications and abilities to determine whether Han can properly oversee the various administrative departments and effectively manage the internal and external crises."

She also urged that confirmation hearings for other ministerial nominees should begin. Chief Spokesperson Heo pointed out, "The confirmation schedules for nominees of about ten ministries have not yet been finalized," and warned, "There is concern that delays in the ministerial appointment process could cause administrative gaps, which may ultimately harm the public."

She continued, "So far, the Democratic Party has relied on unverified suspicions to stigmatize and repeatedly opposed nominees even before the hearings began," and countered, "The ruling party respects the opposition, and the opposition should not engage in unconditional obstruction, as such behavior directly contradicts the public sentiment expressed in the presidential election."

Since this hearing is held ahead of the June 1 local elections, which are seen as an extension of the presidential election, the level of conflict between the ruling and opposition parties is expected to intensify. Han, who was the last Prime Minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, was initially expected to pass the hearing smoothly at the time of his nomination. However, controversy has spread after it was revealed late that he received high consulting fees while serving as chairman of the Korea International Trade Association and as an advisor to the major law firm Kim & Chang after leaving public office.

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