Democratic Party Hesitant on Yong Hye-in's Appointment… Kim Seung-won Also Faces Low Approval Ratings

It is suspected that Assemblyman Kim Min-seok's side intentionally leaked a negative opinion on candidate Yong Hye-in to the press, further complicating the position of Chairman Lee Jae-myung. Kim is suspected of publicly disclosing reasons for the candidate's unsuitability as the person in charge of personnel vetting. Meanwhile, the Blue House is reportedly attempting to push through the confirmation hearing process to resolve such internal party conflicts. Candidate Yong Hye-in also sent a message implying that she would not stand idly by, referring to Chairman Lee Jae-myung.

Among the six ministerial candidates, only Yong Hye-in's confirmation hearing date has not been set, leading to speculation that the Democratic Party is effectively considering withdrawing her appointment. Reporter Park Sang-kyu commented, "Among the six ministerial candidates, only Yong Hye-in's hearing hasn't been scheduled by Kim Min-seok. That means they don't intend to do it." Within the Democratic Party's support base, Yong's low approval rating (24%) is also a significant burden, and some interpret this as a strategic choice to avoid a worsening of public opinion before and after the Chuseok holiday.

The current confirmation hearing situation has been likened to determining which candidate will be sacrificed in the 'Indangsu' (a legendary deep part of the sea). Candidates Yong Hye-in and Kim Seung-won are specifically depicted as political scapegoats, with claims that the Democratic Party intends to save Kim Seung-won while pushing out Yong Hye-in. Reporter Park Sang-kyu explained, "But it means they want to pull in Kim Seung-won and push out Yong Hye-in."

A public opinion poll on the appointment of Justice Minister candidate Kim Seung-won showed only 28% approval versus 60.6% disapproval, indicating strong negative public sentiment. Reporter Park Sang-kyu stated, "When asked about the appointment of Justice Minister candidate Kim Seung-won, opposition came in at 60.6%, with only 28% in favor." Allegations of involvement in the so-called 'Oppa-deul Gate' have intensified, with figures such as Song Young-gil, Choi Jae-sung, and Lee Nak-yeon being mentioned by name. There is strong criticism of candidate Kim's explanation that a photo of a judge, an assemblyman, and a broker meeting at a drinking establishment was a 'chance encounter.' The controversy over the candidate's qualifications is escalating due to the combination of his past record and current suspicions.

Defense Minister candidate Kang Shin-chul is suspected of having obtained the status of an evicted resident in the past through falsified residency registration in an evictee's home, and subsequently used this status to receive a new apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Reporter Park Sang-kyu pointed out, "This Kang Shin-chul moved his address to this house fictitiously to obtain the status of an evicted resident, and based on that status, he obtained a new apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul." The candidate's explanation that he resided in a house that was actually uninhabitable is criticized as contradictory. The apartment is reportedly now worth a capital gain of 2.2 billion won, leading to growing calls for thorough vetting.

It was revealed that candidate Kang Shin-chul's 30-year-old son purchased a commercial property worth 700 million won after only one year of employment, raising suspicions about the source of the funds. In response, the candidate's side explained that the funds were borrowed from relatives. Reporter Park Sang-kyu reported, "When asked where the money came from, they said a relative lent it." The fact that this detail was omitted from the confirmation hearing documents and then later reported is also being criticized as an issue.

Candidate Kang Shin-chul's rise to a four-star general without experience as a corps commander, who actually commands troops, has raised doubts even within the military. Reporter Park Sang-kyu commented, "He is someone who has not served as a corps commander, who actually moves troops." Concerns are also being raised that he may lack on-site response capabilities due to his frequent use of academic language. Furthermore, there are rumors that he was appointed to key positions due to his friendship with the commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, intensifying the controversy over the candidate's military career and qualifications.

It was revealed that city council candidates made donations up to the 5 million won limit to district legislators who held their nominations, raising suspicions of quid pro quo donations in politics. Reporter Park Sang-kyu explained, "City council candidates make donations up to the maximum limit of 5 million won to district legislators who hold their nomination rights." Allegations related to Seoul City Council member Lee Jong-bae have been reported, and explanations dismissing this as a mere practice are being criticized.

Criticism is growing over the use of irregular methods, such as 'mother-in-law's chance' or 'father's chance,' in the asset formation process of high-ranking public officials. An example was mentioned where 170 million won out of a loan exceeding 500 million won was received from a mother-in-law. Reporter Park Sang-kyu revealed, "He borrowed over 500 million won, and 170 million won of that was from his mother-in-law." Such asset formation through 'chances' exacerbates the sense of deprivation and relative loss among the 2030 generation. Furthermore, there is criticism of the 'birds of a feather flock together' style of personnel appointments, where individuals with such backgrounds rise to high positions.

The Yeosu Ship Expo is embroiled in controversy over poor management despite an investment of over 70 billion won in taxpayer money. The exhibition hall suffered from insufficient electricity supply, disrupting commercial operations, and tourists complained of a lack of attractions. Reporter Park Sang-kyu conveyed the voices from the scene, saying, "70 billion won might not be a lot of money, but they spent that much and now all the tourists are saying there's nothing to see." The poor management of such large-scale events is interpreted as part of the 'lame duck' phenomenon in local governments, and there are calls for accountability regarding the waste of budget.