Seoul: Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook began undergoing a two-day confirmation hearing at the National Assembly on Thursday as the main opposition party questioned her eligibility for the post. Han, who currently serves as minister for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, has come under scrutiny over a series of controversies, including a personal information leak involving the government's audition-style startup incubation program.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the nominee expressed her commitment to prioritizing public welfare, stating, "I will become a prime minister who focuses solely on working for the happiness of the people and deliver tangible results." Han highlighted the importance of the coming years for South Korea's competitiveness amidst rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), drawing on her extensive experience in technological innovation. "I will make all-out efforts to drive a bold AI transformation that reshapes the economic structure, help the future generations grow and create a warm safety net for the underprivileged," she added.
During the hearing, members of the main opposition People Power Party criticized Han for her recent sale of multiple homes, arguing that her previous holdings contradicted President Lee Jae Myung's policy against real estate speculation. Han responded by explaining, "I realized that serving in public office carries far greater responsibility than working in the private sector, which is why I had put my homes on the market. The reason I decided to sell (my properties) even at a low price ... was because I felt I had to do everything I could." Her office announced that she has sold off three homes, retaining only one in Seoul's central Samcheong-dong district.
The hearing was momentarily interrupted when Han incorrectly stated that the Korean War was initiated by South Korea's invasion of the North, before promptly correcting herself to acknowledge it was North Korea's invasion of the South. When questioned about South Korea's principal adversary, she characterized North Korea as both "a threat and a compatriot."
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) dismissed the allegations against Han as politically motivated, defending her qualifications for the role. DP Rep. Bak Seung-a remarked, "Is she not the perfect fit for the position as someone who rose through the ranks from an ordinary office worker to the head of one of the country's top digital companies at a time when the Lee Jae Myung administration has prioritized sweeping AI transformation as a key agenda?" With the DP holding a parliamentary majority of 161 out of 300 seats, Han's motion could be passed without opposition consent.
The prime minister is the only Cabinet position that requires parliamentary consent for appointment.