South Korea’s National Assembly began confirmation hearings on Tuesday for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok, with proceedings marked by partisan clashes and the absence of both witnesses and expert references. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and main opposition People Power Party (PPP) exchanged accusations from the outset, with the PPP criticizing the DP for refusing to adopt five requested witnesses and failing to compel adequate documentation. Kim submitted only seven out of 97 requested items, according to the PPP.

PPP lawmakers accused Kim of ethical misconduct, citing past financial transactions, inadequate transparency regarding his son’s foreign education expenses, and alleged derogatory language used in academic writing. The DP defended Kim and rejected the need for additional witnesses, asserting that procedural votes had already settled the issue. Kim, in his remarks, stated that the U.S.-ROK alliance remained central to South Korea’s diplomacy and dismissed concerns that the Lee administration would adopt an anti-U.S. or pro-China foreign policy posture.