Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said the government is listening to public sentiment through its approval ratings, responding to criticism of the second round of cabinet appointments.
Han made the remarks on the 14th during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, replying to Rep. Suh Beom-soo of the People Power Party, who said that "when power grows arrogant, it cannot hear the voice of the people." Han added: "We are listening, and we take it very gravely and weightily. Having taken on the post of prime minister, I am thinking very seriously about how much more I must do well and give my best."
On the controversy surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for justice minister, Han said judgment should follow the remaining steps, including the National Assembly confirmation hearing. "As a nominee goes through the process leading up to the hearing, questions are raised about allegations and the nominee also answers them," Han said. "I believe the nominee will speak at the hearing about whether he meets the public's expectations."
Asked by Suh whether Han intended to apologize as the official who recommended Yong Hye-in, the withdrawn nominee for minister of gender equality and family, Han said the decision to step down "was the nominee's own judgment," while adding: "Once the final stage has fully played out, if there were problems related to the recommendation, we will address them."
On the prolonged vacancies at the top of the National Police Agency and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Han said "suitable figures will be appointed in line with the overhaul of the criminal justice system," adding that she expects the appointments to move quickly from now on.
