Oceans minister nominee under pressure to quit

By Chung Min-uck

Yoon Jin-sook, Oceans Minister nominee

The National Assembly failed to adopt a consenting report for Yoon Jin-sook, the nominee for minister of oceans and fisheries, in a parliamentary committee meeting, Friday.

Opposition lawmakers demanded her withdraw, raising doubts about her qualification.

During her confirmation hearing held earlier, both the ruling Saenuri Party and main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) lawmakers criticized Yun’s attitude and lack of knowledge as the nominee failed to answer properly on many questions regarding the ministerial job.

She is currently the division chief at the Korea Maritime Institute.

In Friday’s meeting, ruling party lawmakers tried to adopt Yoon’s report but were met with a fierce backlash from DUP lawmakers.

Kim Jung-rok of the DUP, and a member of parliamentary oceans and fisheries committee, said, “The nominee had enough time to prepare for the hearing but didn’t do so, meaning she lacks knowledge and earnest attitude toward her position.” “We demand she step down.”

Other DUP committee members, and some ruling party members, echoed Kim’s view.

Following the opposition, the members of the committee decided to call off the meeting without passing Yun’s report.

Failure in passing the assembly report, although not binding, is likely to be a political burden for President Park Geun-hye as Park’s check-up process in nominating candidates for her new cabinet has long been under fire.

Six ministerial nominees have withdrawn after allegations regarding their ethical standards, such as real estate speculation, tax evasion and qualification issues.