South Korea’s National Assembly on Friday approved the new nominee for unification minister amid opposition party concerns over his alleged lack of vision for inter-Korean policy and his alleged ethical lapses.
Hong Yong-pyo won the approval of the parliamentary foreign affairs and unification committee, two days after he underwent a confirmation hearing at the Assembly focused on determining how he plans to handle inter-Korean affairs and whether he has the integrity to become a member of the Cabinet.
The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) raised strong doubts over his eligibility for the job, claiming he lacks a blueprint for inter-Korean policy. It also accused Hong of plagiarizing his own thesis and failing to pay his taxes in full, among other issues.
Still, by agreeing to adopt a report on Hong’s hearing, the NPAD indicated its approval of the nominee.
This completes the parliamentary confirmation process for all three Cabinet members who were replaced in a partial reshuffle last month.
President Park Geun-hye also named Yoo Ki-june as minister of oceans and fisheries and Yoo Il-ho as minister of land, infrastructure and transport. They have also won parliamentary approval. (Yonhap)
