Prime Minister Han Sung-sook Says She Listens "Gravely to Public Voice" Amid Declining Presidential Approval Ratings

Prime Minister Han Sung-sook stated on the 9th regarding the recent downward trend in President Lee Jae-myung's state administration approval ratings, "We are listening very gravely to the voices given by the public."

During today's National Assembly interpellation session, when Representative Yoon Jae-ok of the People Power Party asked for her stance on the opinion poll results, Prime Minister Han remarked, "I believe we need to properly look at what we are doing well and what we are falling short on, and seriously ponder the parts that need to be changed."

When Representative Yoon asked about the reasons behind the drop in approval ratings, Prime Minister Han replied, "This is a result that has emerged because there are areas where we fail to properly reach what the citizens desire, areas that are going well but are not being explained adequately, and parts where we are lacking."

When Representative Yoon pointed out that recent cabinet reshuffles were mishandled, Prime Minister Han responded, "Regarding parts where suspicions have been raised and problems are pointed out, I believe that clarification and explanation through confirmation hearings, as well as procedures meeting the public's expectations, are necessary."

She repeatedly emphasized, "Through that process, it is a time for (candidates) to feel what kind of attitude they should have as public servants, and after (the National Assembly) verifies candidates through confirmation hearings and the public watches, the remaining appointment procedures will proceed. I think this (kind of) procedure is also a very important democratic process that we must uphold."

When Representative Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party pointed out controversies surrounding Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won and Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in, asking, "Is the (presidential office's) personnel verification system functioning properly?", Prime Minister Han stated, "We are proceeding to recommend capable individuals by doing our utmost," and added, "I recommended them because I believe they are competent individuals."

Regarding the reason for nominating candidate Yong in response to a question from Representative Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party, Prime Minister Han explained, "I looked at evaluations and related content regarding the aspects she has shown so far as a female lawmaker, as the leader of the Basic Income Party, and as a working woman."

Meanwhile, when Representative Lee asked for her stance on the abolition of early voting pursued by the People Power Party, Prime Minister Han replied, "This is a matter where the National Election Commission must express its stance and which also requires revision through election laws," while also noting, "Early voting is a very convenient system that is good for enhancing public participation."

Prime Minister Han, who took office in July, participated in the National Assembly interpellation session for the first time.

Today, when Representative Yoon Jae-ok asked, "What is the number one state administration goal of the Lee Jae-myung administration?", Prime Minister Han answered, "Constitutional amendment," but immediately corrected it to, "Politics where the people become one."
 

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.