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Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok answers questions from lawmakers during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 24. / Photo by Lee Byung-hwa

The confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok opened on June 24 at the National Assembly, marked by heated clashes, shouting, and even profanity on its first day, amid an unusual absence of witnesses.

The opposition strongly criticized the hearing as a “blindfolded confirmation” where no key documents or testimony could be obtained from the nominee or related parties. Tensions flared early on over the failure to approve witness requests and the nominee's refusal to submit requested materials, resulting in yelling and the use of informal and inappropriate language among lawmakers.

The People Power Party (PPP) had initially proposed family members and Kim’s ex-wife as witnesses to investigate financial allegations, sparking resistance from the ruling Democratic Party. The opposition later narrowed the witness list to five individuals with financial ties, but the ruling party still rejected the request. The nominee’s refusal to submit related documents further fueled accusations of non-cooperation.

PPP lawmaker Joo Jin-woo criticized Kim for failing to submit foreign exchange transaction records for his son’s overseas education, questioning how the tuition had been paid. “They said the ex-wife covered all expenses, but there’s no documentation to support it,” he said.

Tensions escalated when Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sun-won interrupted Joo’s questioning, prompting PPP lawmaker Kwak Gyu-taek to say, “Please be quiet.” Park responded, “Hey, shut up,” to which Kwak muttered, “Are you crazy?” Kwak later apologized, stating, “It was a private remark, but I apologize.”

During his own questioning time, Park appeared to target Joo, saying, “Some people dodged the military due to acute hepatitis.” Joo fired back, demanding an apology for bringing up his personal health and military exemption. Park refused, saying, “I thought hepatitis could be treated quickly. Don’t criticize others without self-reflection. Focus on national vision and policy scrutiny.”

Kim also addressed suspicions that his spending exceeded his income during his time as a lawmaker. He claimed he had received over 700 million won in non-salary income from wedding gifts, condolence money, book event donations, and years of financial support from his in-laws. “It wasn’t lump-sum cash; the money was spread out and used over time,” he explained.

Joo countered that Kim’s explanation kept shifting—from other income, to book event donations, to in-law support—and called it inconsistent. Kim also dismissed suspicions about a villa rental deal involving his mother, saying it was a natural contract transition. When asked to disclose related bank records, he responded, “Those accounts aren’t mine,” and demanded precedents like former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s case be cited before answering.

When questioned about speculation that he would run for Seoul mayor after a short tenure as prime minister, Kim said he had already decided that this would be his final political position. “I’ve told the president I will devote myself fully to this role as if it is the end of my political career,” he said.

On whether he would retain his parliamentary seat if appointed, Kim said he would follow legal and constitutional procedures and abide by the dual-role system currently allowed, while exercising restraint.

He also stressed the need to “eradicate the root causes of rebellion,” adding, “The president believes economic recovery is urgent and that resolving the rebellion must be done in a way that minimizes its impact on the economy.”