조국 인사청문회 6일 개최 합의.... 법사위 의결 진통<br /><br />After weeks of wrangling,... floor leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties agreed to set a new date for justice minister nominee Cho Kuk's confirmation hearing.<br />It will be held on Friday.<br />However, the lawmakers on the judiciary committee are still at odds over whether to call in witnesses to testify.<br />Kim Min-ji has the latest from parliament.<br />A confirmation hearing for justice minister nominee Cho Kuk is set to be held this Friday.<br />The decision was reached between the floor leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties on Wednesday,... following weeks of wrangling.<br />"It is the responsibility of the National Assembly to hold a confirmation hearing. There have been a lot of differences among us, but we agreed to hold the hearing to fulfill our duty."<br />A hearing initially scheduled for Monday and Tuesday was called off because of disagreements over whether members of Cho's family would be present to testify.<br />Instead, Cho held an unprecedented press conference at the National Assembly on Monday where he denied allegations against him and his family,... such as making suspicious investments in a private equity fund and his daughter receiving preferential academic treatment.<br />Cho welcomed Wednesday's decision,... vowing to prepare thoroughly for his hearing and clarify all allegations.<br />"I will explain myself honestly at the confirmation hearing. I will tell lawmakers what I know... and I will also apologize for any missteps."<br />But hurdles remain.<br />Despite the date being set,... the parliament's judiciary committee has to reach a consensus on the specifics of the confirmation hearing.<br />Rival lawmakers on the committee are at odds over whether to summon witnesses,... despite the lack of time.<br />Some opposition lawmakers also see the confirmation hearing as pointless,... as the presidential office is expected to push ahead with Cho's appointment, regardless of the hearing.<br />They're instead calling for a parliamentary investigation and a special counsel probe to look into the allegations raised against the candidate.<br />Prosecutors have launched an investigation of their own,... carrying out raids on dozens of locations.<br />Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.<br />
