Parties clash over Lee Hye-hoon hearing witnesses

Lee Hye-hoon, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Budget, arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in central Seoul on Monday. / Yonhap News

Ruling and opposition parties on Monday failed to reach an agreement on the schedule and witness list for the confirmation hearing of Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee for minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Budget, after sharp disagreements over whom to summon.

The National Assembly’s Finance and Economy Planning Committee was set to adopt a plan to hold Lee’s confirmation hearing during a full committee meeting, but the session was not convened due to unresolved differences between the parties.

The main point of contention was the selection of witnesses and reference witnesses. The People Power Party requested some 30 witnesses and reference witnesses to examine allegations involving Lee, including claims of mistreatment and verbal abuse of aides, suspected real estate speculation, and other controversies. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea rejected the request.

Lawmakers from both sides are scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. Tuesday to discuss the same agenda items.

Lee is currently facing multiple allegations, including accusations of abusing staff, an improper apartment subscription in Seoul’s Seocho district, and claims of preferential treatment related to her son’s military service. She has said she will address all allegations during the confirmation hearing.

ⓒ "젊은 파워, 모바일 넘버원 아시아투데이"