Day 2 of Cabinet confirmation hearings: scrutiny intensifies for environment, veterans, and SME minister nominees

Confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks are entering a decisive stretch this week, as lawmakers scrutinize nominees for key ministries.

From climate action to small business policy, candidates are laying out their vision while partisan tensions simmer.

Our Moon Hye-ryeon reports.

The National Assembly's confirmation hearing for key Cabinet positions entered its second day on Tuesday, with nominees appearing before lawmakers on related standing committees.

Kim Sung-hwan, tapped to lead the Ministry of Environment, pledged to strengthen measures to protect residents from climate-related disasters as the country has seen record rainfall and heat in recent years.

"The next five years will be a critical period for laying the groundwork for a transition to a decarbonized 'green' civilization. I will work to overcome the climate crisis hand in hand with the public."

He also advocated for a pragmatic energy policy that balances renewable energy with nuclear power — reiterating that he does not support phasing out nuclear energy, despite his past association with such views under the Moon Jae-in administration.

Han Seong-sook, the nominee for minister of SMEs and startups, discussed the challenges that small businesses face amid high interest rates, inflation, and sluggish domestic demand, while pointing out the need for a digital transformation.

"The rapid acceleration of the AI revolution and digital transformation is shifting the very paradigm of industry — leaving behind businesses unable to adapt. For small businesses and SMEs, digital transformation is no longer optional — it is a prerequisite for survival and growth."

Han also addressed growing concerns over Chinese e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress and Temu gaining market share in Korea, and said she would "take necessary measures" to address safety and copyright issues, particularly in the fashion sector.

Disputes between ruling and opposition party lawmakers have continued to play out across much of the confirmation hearings for cabinet nominees — with tensions heightening for Kwon Oh-eul, nominee for Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The People Power Party criticized his lack of experience in veterans' affairs and accused the administration of rewarding loyalty over merit, with Kwon being a former conservative lawmaker who switched sides just ahead of the presidential election.

The Democratic Party defended the nomination, saying it reflected the president's will to promote national unity across ideological lines.

Despite the clashes, lawmakers did manage to adopt a confirmation report for Bae Kyung-hoon, the nominee for minister of science and ICT, in a rare moment of agreement.

The confirmation process will continue with hearings scheduled for the education, justice, and employment and labor ministerial nominees on Wednesday.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.