Summary of the Confirmation Hearing Schedule, Outlook, and National Policy Strategy for Prime Minister Nominee Kim Min-seok

Overview of the Confirmation Hearing

On June 10, 2025, the request for a confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok has been formally submitted to the National Assembly. This marks the beginning of a verification period surrounding the nomination of a new Prime Minister who will lead the governance of the Republic of Korea. In accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Constitution and the Confirmation Hearing Act, this hearing is drawing attention as a platform that must answer the national question of who will be entrusted with governance during a time of crisis, going beyond a simple assessment of qualifications.

Confirmation hearing and National Assembly voting schedule

According to the Confirmation Hearing Act, the confirmation hearing must be completed within 15 days from the date of submission of the confirmation request, which is June 10, meaning it should be completed by June 25. Furthermore, the adoption of the confirmation report and the National Assembly's resolution must be completed by June 30, which is within 20 days thereafter. As a result, the People Power Party began forming a special confirmation committee of 13 members, led by Rep. Lee Jong-bae, on June 11. Once the committee is formed through negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties, the National Assembly plans to hold the hearing promptly and proceed with the approval process in a plenary session.

The importance of the hearing procedure

The hearing process for the Prime Minister candidate goes beyond merely verifying personal background or morality. Especially at a time when the political landscape is tumultuous, this hearing offers a significant opportunity to assess the candidate's policy capabilities and national governance philosophy. The hearing for candidate Kim is scheduled to take place before June 25, so the confirmation report must be adopted within a maximum of five days after the conclusion of the hearing. This will be a crucial moment in determining the direction of national leadership.

Kim Min-seok's National Governance Strategy

Candidate Kim Min-seok has presented his vision and direction as Prime Minister through various public statements and press briefings. He sees this hearing not merely as a review process but as the first platform for communication with the people, explaining his national governance strategy centered around three key tasks. First, he emphasizes the diagnosis of complex crises and proactive responses, stating that a comprehensive approach to crisis management is necessary rather than focusing on single areas. Second, he pledges to minimize governance vacuums and act as a 'public advisor.' Finally, he expressed his commitment to establishing a transparent hearing and a platform for policy verification.

Conclusion: Questions of Confirmation Hearings and Leadership

This confirmation hearing is not just a mere passage of constitutional procedure. It serves as a test to determine the qualifications of the candidate, Kim Min-seok, and it raises a broader social question about what kind of leadership is needed amid the complex crises facing the nation. Whether his national governance strategy can be reflected in actual government operations will be assessed through this hearing, and this process will serve as a pivotal point for the reorientation of national leadership in South Korea.