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Prime Minister nominee Han Sung-sook responds to lawmakers' questions during a parliamentary confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 25th. / Reporter Song Ui-ju

Ruling and opposition lawmakers clashed over National Security Advisor nominee Han Sung-sook's geopolitical outlook, real estate issues, and the data breach controversy surrounding "Modu's Startup" during a parliamentary confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 25th. The ruling People Power Party aggressively questioned her regarding her perception of the nation's primary enemy, multiple homeownership, and illegal property expansion, while the main opposition Democratic Party defended her by highlighting her governance capabilities and professional expertise.

The hearing, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. at the National Assembly, opened with political maneuvering over the selection of witnesses and references, as well as the submission of documentation. Representative Kang Seung-gyu of the People Power Party criticized the collapse of witness selections related to the Seongnam FC allegations, calling it a toothless hearing devoid of witnesses or references.

The nominee's national security perspective emerged as a central point of contention. When Representative Kim Seon-gyo of the People Power Party asked, "Who is our primary enemy?" Han replied, "Any entity that threatens the Republic of Korea is our enemy," adding, "North Korea presents a dual reality, acting as both a threat and our compatriots." Representative Kim then followed up by asking, "Was the Korean War a Southward or Northward invasion?" Han responded, "That was a Southward invasion. Obviously." As murmurs rippled through the hearing room over her gaffe, she immediately corrected herself, stating, "I apologize. It was a Northward invasion. I was nervous."

Disputes also intensified surrounding her real estate holdings. Regarding her history of owning multiple homes, Representative Kim Seon-gyo pointed out, "You downsized from a multiple homeowner to a single homeowner just two days before this hearing. Does selling your properties right before the hearing mean you have transformed from a demon into a human being?"

Han replied, "If you put it that way, I suppose I have become a human being," explaining, "I have come to realize the immense weight of public office, and I had put my additional properties on the market prior to this." Addressing the sale of her land in Yangpyeong, she noted, "I initially listed it for around 700 million won, but following extensive media coverage, a buyer offered 500 million won, and the transaction was finalized at that price." Regarding the controversy over the illegal expansion of her residence in Jongno District, she stated, "The process was delayed due to prolonged consultations with the district office," adding, "I am deeply sorry for the delayed demolition." In the afternoon session, the security breach at "Modu's Startup" took center stage. When Representative Yoo Yeong-ha of the People Power Party criticized the data leak and the subsequent lackluster response, Han stated, "As the minister in charge at the time, I offer my apologies once again."

                                                                                                              Lee Che-ri