Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated on September 9 that she is "seriously listening to the voices of the people" regarding the recent decline in approval ratings for President Lee Jae-myung's administration.
During a government questioning session in the National Assembly, Han responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Jae-ok about public opinion polls, saying, "We need to properly assess what we are doing well and what we are not, and seriously consider the areas that need change."
Regarding the reasons for the declining approval ratings, she noted, "I believe this is a result of our inability to meet the expectations of the public in certain areas, as well as our shortcomings in explaining what we are doing well."
In response to recent criticisms about the cabinet reshuffle, Han emphasized the need for hearings to provide clarification and explanations for any raised concerns, stating, "It is important to follow procedures that meet the public's expectations after undergoing a verification process that aligns with democratic principles."
When addressing concerns raised by lawmaker Na Kyung-won about the qualifications of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Han said, "We are doing our best to recommend capable individuals, and I believe they are competent, which is why we have put them forward for nomination."
In response to a question from lawmaker Lee Jun-seok regarding the rationale behind Yong's nomination, Han explained, "We considered her track record as a female lawmaker, her leadership as the head of the Basic Income Party, and her contributions as a working woman."
On the issue of the proposed abolition of early voting, which is being pushed by the People Power Party, Han stated, "The National Election Commission needs to express its position, and there are aspects that need to be amended in the election law," while also acknowledging that "early voting is a very convenient system that enhances public participation."
Han, who took office in July, participated in her first government questioning session on this day. When Yoon asked her what the top priority of the Lee Jae-myung administration is, she initially responded with "constitutional amendment" but quickly corrected herself to "politics that unites the people."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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