GNP Chairman Kang Jae-sup

By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter

Lee Choon-ho, the nominee for minister of gender equality and family, who has been the target of criticism over property speculation along with some other potential Cabinet members, has withdrawn her nomination.

She told reporters Sunday that she made the decision in order not to become a political burden to President Lee.

Lee Choon-ho had been under attack from the liberal United Democratic Party (UDP) for alleged property speculation, as she owns 40 properties in 12 cities across the nation.

She has denied any impropriety, saying that she inherited them from her late husband.

Her decision came after Grand National Party (GNP) Chairman Kang Jae-sup called on the new President to reconsider his nominations of those under fire for alleged property speculation and plagiarism.

Political observers said Rep. Kang is concerned that Lee's choices for Cabinet ministers could cause problems for the GNP as negative public opinion might cost the party in the April 9 parliamentary elections.

Rep. Kang said the transition team has failed to thoroughly screen the nominees before announcing them.

A spokesman for Lee indicated that he might replace ``questionable'' nominees after the hearings but Kang wants them to be removed beforehand.

The liberal UDP has criticized the conservative GNP for only representing the best interests of the wealthy.

The UDP hinted that the party could boycott the confirmation hearings of a few minister-nominees, who are allegedly involved in property speculation.

Prime Minister-nominee Han Seung-soo and Environment Minister-designate Park Eun-kyung have also become the targets of accusations of property speculation from UDP lawmakers.

Park owns a property in the suburbs whose price has soared thanks to government-led development projects in recent years, according to reports.

The UDP expressed its discontent with Unification Minister-nominee Nam Joo-hong for his hard-line stance toward North Korea.

Nam has called for the abandoning of engagement with the North pursued by the liberal party ever since former President Kim Dae-jung coined the term ``sunshine" policy.

Nam is also under attack for his children having dual nationality.

Criticism has also been leveled at Lee's pick for senior secretary for social policy, Park Mi-seok, who has been accused of plagiarism.

hkang@koreatimes.co.kr