Han Byung-do, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 15th, as confirmation hearings for ministerial nominees began, that the party would "firmly confront malicious political attacks and make these hearings a place where nominees are judged on competence and policy."
Han made the remarks at a party leadership meeting at the National Assembly, saying the hearings were "an occasion to thoroughly vet before the public the policy capabilities and execution skills of the leaders who will head each ministry."
Referring to Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, who has drawn the bulk of allegations from the conservative opposition, Han said Kim was "a former judge and a floor spokesperson (ranking member) for the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee who has experience in both courtroom practice and reform legislation."
Turning to the People Power Party, Han said it was "preoccupied, right up to the eve of the hearing, with insulting nominee Kim Seung-won using inflammatory language far removed from the substance," adding that "the real target is not Kim Seung-won as an individual but criminal justice reform."
He also took aim at Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de, saying the chief justice "has offered neither a specific position nor a schedule, even though the Presidential Office has again requested a prompt renomination of Supreme Court justice candidates while stressing the public's right to a trial." Han added that "in the meantime, two Supreme Court justice seats have fallen vacant, and there are concerns about disruptions to the operation of the small panels and to deliberations of the full bench." He urged the chief justice to "promptly state a specific position and timeline on when and how the vacancies on the Supreme Court will be resolved, rather than repeating abstract claims about judicial independence."
