Confirmation hearings for President Park Geun-hyeโs newest Cabinet appointees begin this week, with most of the nominees facing tough sessions ahead over allegations ranging from real estate speculation to tax evasion.
Upon declining support ratings over a series of political scandals and policy flops including the governmentโs inconsistent tax and health insurance plan, Park conducted a partial shake-up of her Cabinet last month in conjunction with the replacement of her chief secretary.
But her newest Cabinet-hopefuls face allegations of real estate speculation, tax evasion, and plagiarism, among others, suggesting the upcoming hearings will be tainted by partisan strife that could postpone the completion of their nomination processes.
The first in line is ruling Saenuri Rep. Yoo Il-ho, named to lead the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, on Monday. Yoo faces allegations of evading 7.64 million won ($6,900) in taxes when he sold an apartment in 2005, according to the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy.
A person who has evaded land taxes is not fit to lead a ministry that directs policies on real estate and land, NPAD Rep. Kim Sang-hee charged.
Yoo also faces suspicion that he illegally changed the home addresses of his family so that his son could attend schools in wealthier parts of Seoul. Yoo apologized in recent media interviews regarding the accusation.
Third-term Saenuri Rep. Yoo Ki-june, picked to head the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, also faces charges that he illegally changed the residential address of his daughter so she could attend a school in a better-off district.
He also continued to work as a lawyer during his term as a lawmaker, which pertains to a conflict of interest, opposition officials alleged, vowing a tough questioning session for him on Monday.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly will grill Yim Jong-yong, the nominee for the Financial Services Commission chairman. Yim is accused of underreporting a property purchase to pay less taxes in 2004.
Unification minister nominee Hong Yong-pyo will attend his hearing on Wednesday. He faces charges of plagiarism and property taxes.
On Thursday, lawmakers will examine Jo Yong-gu, nominated to the board of delegates on the National Election commission, the local electoral watchdog.
The opposition can delay final approval for the nominees for up to 20 days from the date the presidential office requested the hearings.
President Park reserves the right to override any opposition from the legislature, although she risks stiffer Assembly resistance to her policies if she pushes through the nominations over the opposition.
Cheong Wa Dae officials sent applications to the Assembly for hearings on four officials on Feb. 25. They sent a request for Jo on Feb. 27.
By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)
