Prime Minister Nominee Kim Min-seok Comments on Need for Hearing for Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo

On June 20, 2025, during a listening session at the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Center, Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok addressed the suggestion from some ruling party members that a confirmation hearing for lawmaker Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party is necessary. Kim referred to it as a 'good opportunity for verification,' indirectly criticizing the opposition party's committee member who has raised allegations against him. In response, Joo retorted, 'You cannot wrap me, as a confirmation committee member, into a public office position.'

Kim shared a post on Facebook from Yoon Jae-kwan, spokesperson for the Justice Innovation Party, recommending Joo for the position of Minister of Justice. Kim remarked that it would be 'the most meaningful recommendation' and wished Joo a good opportunity for public verification in line with that sentiment.

Previously, Yoon had described Joo as a 'henchman of the insurrection leader' and a 'junior in the era of prosecutorial dictatorship,' suggesting that Joo is leading attacks to erase his dark past. Yoon expressed confidence that Joo would perform well if appointed as Minister of Justice.

Yoon also raised concerns about Joo's financial background, stating that if Joo were to clarify all allegations during the hearing, it would be beneficial for him. He encouraged Joo to dream of becoming Minister of Justice starting today.

In a party meeting, Democratic Party's Supreme Council member Han Jun-ho mentioned that there are discussions about recommending Joo as a government minister to conduct a confirmation hearing.

Joo, in turn, shared Kim's Facebook post again, thanking him for the recommendation and reiterating that he should not be considered for a public office position as a confirmation committee member.

Joo also criticized Kim's financial discrepancies over the past five years, stating that receiving 600 million won in cash from events like book launch parties without proper registration is far below public expectations. He referenced a 2012 tweet from President Lee Jae-myung questioning why wealthy individuals keep money in cabinets, implying that Kim's financial explanations were inadequate.

Joo concluded by stating that if Kim insists on recommending him for the Minister of Justice position, he would like a public promise that he would not support the pardoning of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young, and former Democratic Research Institute Vice President Kim Yong. Only then would he accept the position.