Confirmation hearings begin for Pres. Lee’s first Cabinet picks

A series of confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet kicks off today.

National Assembly standing committees are holding four hearings on Monday, including those for the nominees for unification minister, science minister, oceans minister, and gender equality minister.

While the main opposition People Power Party has vowed to examine the nominees' qualifications and moral integrity, claiming many are unfit and should step down, the ruling Democratic Party is backing the nominees, saying there are no critical flaws.

Over the course of the week, eighteen nominees, including sixteen ministerial candidates, are scheduled to appear before the National Assembly.

In South Korea, Cabinet appointments are subject to parliamentary hearings, but do not require legislative approval to take effect.