'Party leadership also working to get nomination withdrawn'

People Power Party Policy Committee Chair Im Yi-ja [Yonhap]
People Power Party Policy Committee Chair Im Yi-ja [Yonhap]

People Power Party Policy Committee Chair Im Yi-ja said Wednesday that independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has been "diligently carrying out his legislative duties as an independent member" in raising allegations against Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won. She added that his efforts to draw attention during the confirmation hearing "can be seen as meaningful."

However, Im noted that Han is not a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and was therefore not in a position to attend the hearing directly. "I am not sure through what channels he obtained the materials," she said, "but PPP Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok raised concerns that the use of provocative expressions like 'oppa' — as Han releases the materials one by one — could obscure the substance of the allegations."

She added that Jang had consistently called for the nomination to be withdrawn, both in media interviews and in public statements. "Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik has done the same, and the party as a whole has been making every effort on this," she said.

Asked about assessments of Han within the party, Im drew a line. "Those close to him may think he is doing well," she said, "but within the People Power Party as a whole, there is not much in the way of evaluation — one way or the other."

"Everyone is busy with their own work, and our party lawmakers are all handling the Kim Seung-won confirmation hearing themselves," she said. "So while Han Dong-hoon's release of those materials does serve to raise awareness, we do not attach great significance to it."


mp1256@heraldcorp.com