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

On the local front.

Confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's inaugural Cabinet picks are set to continue throughout this week at the National Assembly.

On day one of the hearings, rival parties engaged in fiery discussions over allegations involving the nominees.

Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has the details.

The Assembly confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet got off to a rocky start, with tensions between the rival parties prompting some sessions to be delayed or suspended.

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

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

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.

"The Democratic Party will support the swift formation of the Lee Jae Myung administration's Cabinet to ensure smooth governance and help stabilize state affairs."

"The Lee Jae Myung administration's first Cabinet lineup is completely flawed. None of the nominees are qualified. There are concerns that the hearings will just become a stage for baseless excuses and lies."

During the hearing for unification minister, nominee Chung Dong-young emphasized the need to improve relations between South and North Korea and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula.

He also said the ministry's name should be reconsidered and discussed in the National Assembly, suggesting "Ministry of the Korean Peninsula" as one possible option.

Chung has been stressing that renaming the ministry would help focus on making peace on the Korean Peninsula a top priority.

"The Lee Jae Myung administration needs a fresh start. As part of that, I believe it's time to consider changing the name of the Ministry of Unification."

Kang Sun-woo, a DP lawmaker nominated for minister of gender equality, faced a rough start to her hearing amid intense debates over allegations of workplace abuse.

"With 18 nominees, including 16 ministerial candidates, scheduled to appear before the National Assembly over the course of the week, the political standoff between the rival parties is expected to continue.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."