Kim Min-soo, Supreme Council member, and Choi Bo-yun, chief spokesperson, of the People Power Party, attend a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 6th. [Yonhap News]

The People Power Party criticized President Lee Jae-myung on the 7th for nominating Han Sung-sook, the Minister of SMEs and Startups, as the new Prime Minister, stating it is an attempt to shift the political landscape through a personnel reshuffle with a change of prime minister, while postponing the investigation into the truth behind the "ballot shortage incident."

Consequently, it is being discussed inside and outside the party that the People Power Party, which is simultaneously demanding a parliamentary inquiry and the appointment of a special prosecutor recommended by the opposition party regarding the "ballot shortage incident," may link the upcoming confirmation hearing and confirmation vote for Prime Minister Han to this issue.

Choi Bo-yun, the chief spokesperson, issued a statement on the same day, saying, "We cannot help but express deep concern about whether now is the time to put forward a change of prime minister," and added, "The investigation into the truth behind the 'ballot shortage incident' should come before the nomination of the prime minister."

He pointed out, "Currently, the Republic of Korea is experiencing extreme public outrage and suspicion due to the unprecedented 'ballot shortage incident.' It is a grave situation where the precious rights of the sovereign have been violated due to administrative failures," adding, "Even the current Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has directly stated the seriousness of the situation, saying that this matter 'requires a special prosecutor and a parliamentary inquiry.'"

He further criticized, "In a situation so grave that the incumbent prime minister is demanding a full-scale investigation, the government's attempt to shift the political landscape through a personnel reshuffle with a change of prime minister, while postponing a thorough investigation and resolution of the incident, is an act completely detached from the demands of public sentiment."

Chief Spokesperson Choi stated, "What the President must do now is not to change the prime minister for the sake of shifting the political landscape, but to thoroughly investigate the truth behind the ballot shortage incident, offer a public apology, and restore trust in the collapsed election administration system."

He urged, "The People Power Party will thoroughly and strictly scrutinize the candidate's position and qualifications on the current situation through the parliamentary confirmation hearing. However, President Lee must, separately from the nomination of the new prime minister, clarify the truth behind the ballot shortage incident that is currently causing public anger and present responsible countermeasures."