"Power Demon" vs. "Right Candidate for Prime Minister"... Clash on First Day of Confirmation Hearing

[Anchor]

At the National Assembly confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-suk, the People Power Party criticized her as a "power demon," citing controversies over her multi-home ownership. The Democratic Party defended her, calling her a leader who has shattered the glass ceiling and the right candidate for Prime Minister.

Reporter Son Hyeong-an reports.

[Reporter]

The first day of the National Assembly confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-suk.

The People Power Party pointed out that nominee Han, who was a multi-home owner, sold three houses after being nominated for Prime Minister. Linking this to President Lee Jae-myung's remarks criticizing multi-home owners last February, they lashed out as follows:

[Kim Seon-kyo/People Power Party lawmaker: You may have escaped the label of a 'multi-home owning demon' by the President's standards, but from the perspective of our citizens, you have simply become a 'power demon.']

[Han Seong-suk/Prime Minister nominee: I apologize for the multi-home ownership issue, as it did not meet the public's expectations.]

Regarding allegations that she left illegal extensions on a building she owns in Jongno, Seoul, unattended for a long time despite being aware of them, nominee Han explained, "It took time to consult with the district office regarding the demolition."

The People Power Party also questioned her security views, asking "Who is the main enemy?" Nominee Han expressed her view that "any place that threatens the Republic of Korea is our enemy," adding that "North Korea is in a dual situation as both a threat and our compatriots."

[Han Seong-suk/Prime Minister nominee: North Korea is an enemy that poses a threat to us, but at the same time, they are our compatriots....]

[Kim Hee-jung/People Power Party lawmaker: You still don't know the concept of a main enemy. It is clearly defined that the main enemy is the North Korean regime and the North Korean military.]

On the other hand, ruling party members of the hearing committee characterized the opposition's offensive as excessive criticism and defended her as the right candidate for Prime Minister, highlighting her capabilities as a former IT entrepreneur.

[Kim Dong-ah/Democratic Party lawmaker: As a female entrepreneur, I believe you are a great role model for women who have shattered the glass ceiling in a male-dominated society.]

The ruling and opposition parties are scheduled to continue their debate on the second day of the confirmation hearing today (June 26).

(Video coverage: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video editing: Nam Il)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.