Spokesperson Kim Nam-joon of the presidential office said on the 19th that, regarding the breakdown of the National Assembly confirmation hearing for Minister of Planning and Budget nominee Lee Hye-hoon, "it would be good to have an opportunity to explain to the public."
Kim Spokesperson appeared on CBS Radio "Park Jae-hong's One Shot" the same day and said, "We are taking the criticisms (raised about the nominee) seriously. Not a single one can be taken lightly." In response to the criticism that the presidential office's vetting was inadequate, Kim said, "We are listening humbly."
The National Assembly Strategy and Finance Committee convened a full meeting at 10 a.m. the same day, but the scheduled confirmation hearing did not open. The People Power Party objected, saying the nominee submitted inadequate materials. Lim Lee-ja, the committee chair from the People Power Party, said, "Because there was no agreement between the ruling and opposition party secretaries, we cannot put the hearing item on the agenda." However, there remains a possibility the confirmation hearing could be held on the 20th.
The Task Force for Prosecutorial Reform under the Office of the Prime Minister gave advance notice of legislation for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Agency. The two bodies are slated to be established in October to coincide with the abolition of the Prosecution Service. Within the ruling camp, some argue the plan runs counter to the so-called "prosecution reform" and should be revised.
Kim Spokesperson said the draft prepared by the prosecutorial reform task force was reported to President Lee Jae-myung. Kim added, "It is the government's clear policy to find ways through deliberation to minimize side effects and make revisions."
Kim said, "In separating investigation and indictment and creating new agencies, we need to consider comprehensively whether too much authority is concentrated on one side, or whether it leaves open a path for the prosecution to return."
There is talk that Kim Spokesperson will run in the Incheon Gyeyang B by-election for National Assembly member to be held concurrently with the June 3 local elections. This was President Lee's constituency. Kim said, "I am currently focusing on my duties as Spokesperson," adding, "I thought there are people who have the spirit of 'haeburyangsu' (海不讓水, the sea does not reject any water, whether turbid or clear, and accepts it), who can embrace everyone."