Seoul: The National Assembly commenced a series of interpellation sessions, witnessing a heated clash between the ruling and opposition parties over President Lee Jae Myung's recent Cabinet reshuffle and other significant issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) intensified its criticism against President Lee's nominations for the positions of Justice Minister and Gender Equality Minister. The PPP voiced strong objections to the nomination of Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister and Yong Hye-in as Gender Equality Minister, with Rep. Na Kyung-won denouncing the appointments as an unacceptable personnel fiasco.
Rep. Yun Jae-ok further urged the withdrawal and replacement of the nominees, criticizing the government for a Cabinet reshuffle that does not reflect public sentiment. Kim, a two-term lawmaker, faced accusations of illegal lobbying for a COVID-19 treatment in 2021 and criticism from the PPP due to his involvement in advocating for the dismissal of criminal indictments against President Lee. Meanwhile, Yong received scrutiny for retaining her National Assembly seat despite her Cabinet appointment. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) emphasized the necessity of advancing the Lee administration's prosecution reforms, which aim to strip the prosecution of its power to conduct direct investigations.
The session also addressed constitutional revision, becoming a pivotal issue of debate. The PPP expressed apprehension that the proposed revision could allow President Lee to seek another term. Rep. Na urged the president to explicitly state his intention not to pursue another term, requesting the prime minister to relay this to President Lee. The DP underscored the importance of a constitutional amendment, proposing a shift to a four-year, two-term presidential system.
The interpellation sessions will continue with discussions on foreign affairs, unification, and security scheduled for Thursday, followed by economic affairs on Friday, and social issues on the following Monday.