Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, addressed allegations regarding special housing supply for evictees, stating that while he acknowledges negligence in managing his address, there was no intent to conceal his residence or any illegality in the application process.
In a statement on September 10, Kang asserted, "The nominee, along with his father, brother, and aunt, are actual beneficiaries of housing compensation for evictees in Cheonwang-dong, Seoul, and the application for special supply was conducted through normal procedures."
He refuted claims that his primary residence was in Yangji Village, Bundang, stating, "I was deployed to Iraq, and my spouse lived with our children at her parents' home. I have never lived in Bundang."
Kang also denied allegations that his brother and aunt similarly concealed their residences to receive evictee compensation. He explained, "My brother was born in Cheonwang-dong and has lived there his entire life, and my aunt has also continuously resided there. Cheonwang-dong has been our family's home for decades, where we have farmed and raised livestock."
While acknowledging his oversight in managing his address during his work relocation, Kang expressed strong regret over the suspicion that his entire family acted with the intent to benefit from the special housing supply.
He stated, "I will humbly accept responsibility for my negligence, but there should be no further attacks on my family's life that cause harm."
Meanwhile, the National Assembly's Defense Committee held a meeting on the same day and approved the plan to conduct Kang's confirmation hearing on the 16th. However, the selection of witnesses and reference persons was not finalized due to disagreements between the ruling and opposition parties.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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