Ruling party pleads for Assembly approval of PM

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday implored the opposition parties to approve Prime Minister nominee Lee Nak-yon as they turn up the heat on President Moon Jae-in.

“I implore the opposition parties to accept the president’s intentions in the broad sense and to cooperate in passing the motion on Prime Minister nominee Lee Nak-yon,” Democratic Party floor leader Rep. Woo Won-shik said, suggesting that National Assembly and the presidential office collaborate in drawing up standards for assessing candidates for government offices.

Woo also attempted to appease the opposition parties, acknowledging their demands while appealing for their cooperation and understanding.

“The oppositions’ demands for an apology (by the president) is understandable. (But) Cheong Wa Dae’s position that it will adhere to the major principles but that unavoidable situations need to be taken into account should also be considered.”

While running for presidency, Moon set out five areas of misconduct that will exclude any individual from taking high-level office in his administrations. The five areas are using false address, illegally avoiding military service, tax evasion, plagiarism and real estate speculation.

However, Lee and others tapped for key offices including foreign minister nominee Kang Kyung-hwa have been found to have used false addresses. In addition, it has been alleged that National Intelligence Service chief nominee Suh Hoon has been received 10 million won ($8,900) per month for providing consultation services to a satellite broadcaster.

Opposition parties have seized on the revelations, which in the case of Kang came from Cheong Wa Dae.

“(The party) cannot agree blindly to personnel decisions that lack principles and feed the public’s doubt,” the minor conservative opposition Bareun Party said.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)