National Assembly confirmation hearing…Nominee Jeon Hyun-jung says election-fraud claims lack concrete evidence and often distort facts
At today’s (26th) confirmation hearing before the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee for nominees Yoon Kwang-il and Jeon Hyun-jung, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties questioned the nominees about allegations of election fraud and past hiring irregularities at the National Election Commission.
Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party cited suspicions circulating in some quarters and argued that, because perfect election administration does not exist in reality, officials must identify problems one by one and pursue practical remedies. He urged the committee to thoroughly seek feasible solutions.
Yoon, who previously served as president of the Korean Association for Party Studies, warned that dismissing every challenge as a conspiracy theory is also problematic. “We need to engage proactively from the outset and respond rigorously to those arguments,” he said.
Jeon, a former judge, pointed out that “the Supreme Court has never accepted claims of election fraud.” She added that while minor administrative errors can occur, allegations of fraud lack specific evidence and frequently distort the facts.
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-sik pressed the nominees on reports alleging preferential treatment for children of senior Election Commission officials, saying the commission “escaped oversight under the guise of being a constitutional agency.” He argued that because outside members now serve on the commission, democratic oversight of the agency should be strengthened.
Yoon said he expected to shift from an observer to a participant in decision-making and pledged to help strengthen external oversight. Jeon said she would closely monitor whether internal controls are operating effectively.
Democratic lawmaker Yang Bu-nam raised concerns about a cash loan of approximately 120 million KRW (approximately $90,000) that Yoon reportedly extended to an acquaintance who owns a high-end apartment in Seoul’s Seocho district, saying the arrangement did not appear to be a routine personal loan.
Yoon acknowledged the issue, saying the borrower was a close senior from his department and someone he studied with while abroad. “I recognize how this could appear in the asset report. Failing to grasp the seriousness of it was my oversight,” he apologized.
The opposition also scrutinized Jeon over her previous status as a final candidate in 2020 for the inaugural head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.
People Power Party lawmaker Seo Beom-su noted media reports that then-Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae recommended Jeon and asked whether the public would view any resulting decision as impartial. “Wouldn’t people suspect other motives if the matter comes up?” he asked.
Jeon replied she has no personal ties to Chu and pledged to handle any matters fairly. “If recusal rules or other procedures exist, I will review and apply them as appropriate,” she said.
The Public Administration and Security Committee adopted the confirmation hearing report on both nominees immediately after the session concluded.
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Jeong Young-bin (jyb21@yna.co.kr)
