On October 13, opposition parties criticized Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae during a national audit focused on the province. Despite being a member of the Democratic Party, Choo faced sharp questioning from party members aligned with Lee Jae-myung, particularly regarding her recent conflicts over the appointment of Kim Ji-yong as the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
The National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee conducted the audit at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office. Democratic Party members raised concerns about the province's financial situation and questioned Choo about Kim's appointment, while the ruling People Power Party accused her of being overly focused on national politics.
Lee Kwang-hee, a Democratic Party lawmaker, expressed, "While I agree on the need for fiscal stabilization, reducing the proportion of subsidy projects could jeopardize smaller municipalities with low financial independence, as several welfare budgets, including those for transportation for the disabled and postpartum care, have been excluded." In response, Choo stated, "The situation has already reached a critical point that cannot be ignored."
Chae Hyun-il, another Democratic Party member, referred to Choo's declaration of a 'fiscal emergency,' stating, "There is a lack of safety, predictability, and accountability in your approach." Lee Hae-sik, the ruling party's secretary, pointed out issues with delayed appointments, asserting, "We must overcome the fiscal crisis through proper appointments. It is wrong to shift the responsibility for the financial crisis onto staff members."
The People Power Party pressed Choo on her focus on national politics, particularly regarding Kim's appointment and controversies surrounding official residences and vehicles. Joo Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party, questioned, "While you claim there is a fiscal crisis, you are purchasing an official residence and vehicles instead of taking steps to address the crisis." Choo replied, "The official residence is rented, and it will naturally be returned at the end of the lease. The vehicle was purchased in compliance with recommendations for eco-friendly cars."
When asked by Park Sang-woong of the People Power Party if she still held the view that Kim's appointment should be withdrawn, Choo avoided a direct answer, stating, "I will express my personal political beliefs at another opportunity." However, when pressed by Kim Young-jin, the committee chair, about her stance on Kim, she stated, "I believe he is unsuitable for public office," indicating her opposition to the appointment.
Additionally, both parties engaged in disputes during the Health and Welfare Committee and the National Defense Committee over the selection of witnesses related to 'Genensel' and a resolution condemning North Korea. The Health Committee saw the People Power Party demand the appearance of witnesses regarding allegations involving former Justice Minister Kim Seung-won, leading to objections from the Democratic Party and a temporary suspension of the session. In the National Defense Committee, the People Power Party sought further discussions to amend the resolution's wording, but the Democratic Party refused, resulting in a clash.
Meanwhile, the Industry, Trade, and Energy Committee adopted a resolution urging investigative authorities to look into the leak of confidential reports regarding U.S. investments, stating, "The leak of confidential reports is a serious violation of national interests."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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