Moon appoints disputed defense minister nominee

By Jun Ji-hye

President Moon Jae-in pressed ahead Thursday with the appointment of his controversial nominee for the defense minister despite objections of opposition parties.

Moon said he could not put off the appointment of Defense Minister-nominee Song Young-moo any longer amid growing tension caused by North Korea’s continuous missile provocations, according to presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun.

“Pushing forward defense reform cannot be delayed any longer, either,” Moon was quoted as saying by Park.

The opposition parties rejected Song after confirmation hearings, citing “unacceptable” ethical lapses including his close ties to the arms industry.

The opposition parties had called on Moon to withdraw his nominations of Song and Cho Dae-yop for labor minister. Cho has been criticized for his past drunk driving and other alleged wrongdoings.

Song’s appointment came shortly after Cho voluntarily withdrew his nomination. Cho said, “I hope my withdrawal will help the Moon government be successful.”

Regarding the opposition parties’ objection, Moon said, “I am well aware of concerns over Song and respect the National Assembly’s efforts to verify his qualifications,” according to Park.

Song and Cho have been at the center of a political standoff that has hampered Moon’s efforts to secure parliamentary approval for bills on government reorganization and an 11.2 trillion won ($9.8 billion) supplementary budget aimed largely at creating public service jobs.

Song’s inauguration is scheduled for today at the Ministry of National Defense.