최정호 청문회…野 "부동산 투기" vs 與 "실거주 목적" 공방<br /><br />Confirmation hearings for seven ministerial candidates kicked off today at the National Assembly.<br /> Choi Jeong-ho, President Moon Jae-in's pick for transport minister was first in the hot seat.<br />Lawmakers clashed on Choi's morality, particularly over suspicious profit-making deals from owning multiple apartments.<br />Choi claims that his ownership cannot be seen as an attempt to profit from speculation as he was planning to reside in the properties.<br />Opposition parties accused him of being dishonest, accusing him of making more than two million U.S. dollars in profits.<br />Other nominees facing confirmation hearings this week include those picked to head up the ministries of unification, interior, and SMEs.<br />There's particular interest in unification minister-nominee Kim Yeon-chul.<br />If appointed, he will be Seoul's new main negotiator with North Korea.<br />The Presidential Office and the ruling party say they expect all the nominees to be confirmed.
