People Power Party Blames Government and Kim Hyun-ji for National Assembly Hearing Disruption

The People Power Party claimed responsibility for the disruption of the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee hearing on October 15 lies with Kim Hyun-ji, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Democratic Party. The party criticized three heads of public institutions associated with Kim, known as the 'Seongnam Line,' for refusing to submit personnel documents mandated by the National Assembly.

Members of the People Power Party's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee held a press conference that morning, stating, "The responsibility for the disruption of the National Assembly hearing lies with Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji and the Democratic Party."

They pointed out that the committee had requested resumes, self-introductions, and work plans from Nam Kwang-woo, head of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute; Jang Geon, chairman of the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association; and Ha Dong-geun, president of the Korea District Heating Corporation, but all three refused to submit the documents, citing privacy and personal information concerns.

The committee members focused on the past connections between these institution heads and Kim. They noted, "Nam and Jang have worked with Kim in civic organizations. Ha is close enough to have officiated at Kim's wedding."

They emphasized the need for compliance with the National Assembly's document submission request, stating, "Documents that have already been approved must be submitted according to National Assembly laws. Failure to do so can result in penalties. The only exceptions for document submission pertain to military, diplomatic, and North Korean matters. Are their work plans state secrets?" They added, "It is not the 'Seongnam Line' trio that has been insulted, but the National Assembly itself."

Earlier that day, the National Assembly hearing saw clashes between the ruling and opposition parties over the issue of the non-submission of personnel documents. In response, Kim Jeong-ho, the Democratic Party's committee chair, suspended the hearing at around 11:10 a.m. for discussions between the two party whips.