Kwon Oh-eul's Controversial Hearing: 'Socialist Independence Fighters Deserve Recognition' Sparks Political Storm

Kwon Oh-eul's Rocky Path to Veterans Affairs Ministry

On July 15, 2025, Kwon Oh-eul, the nominee for South Korea's Veterans Affairs Minister, faced a grueling confirmation hearing at the National Assembly's Government Administration Committee. The hearing became a political battleground as lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties grilled Kwon over his controversial statements and past conduct. The session highlighted deep divisions in Korean society over historical interpretation, North Korea policy, and gender sensitivity issues.

Kwon, a three-term former lawmaker who previously served in conservative parties before supporting President Lee Jae-myung during the presidential campaign, found himself defending multiple controversial positions. His nomination had already been criticized by the People Power Party, which labeled him as one of the "unqualified five" candidates. The hearing would prove to be a test of his ability to navigate Korea's complex political landscape while addressing serious concerns about his fitness for office.

The Socialist Independence Fighter Recognition Controversy

The most significant policy statement during the hearing came when Kwon declared that "socialist-affiliated individuals who have been largely excluded from recognition as patriots should naturally receive honors and economic compensation if they did not directly participate in the establishment of the North Korean regime". This statement immediately drew attention as it represented a potentially major shift in how South Korea recognizes independence fighters from the Japanese colonial period.

Kwon emphasized that "all descendants of independence fighters should benefit according to the times", suggesting a more inclusive approach to veteran recognition. This position resonated with progressive lawmakers who have long argued that South Korea's veteran recognition system has been too narrowly focused on anti-communist fighters. However, conservative politicians expressed concern that such recognition could legitimize individuals who later became aligned with North Korea's political system.

The statement reflects broader debates in Korean society about how to properly honor those who fought for independence from Japan while maintaining clear distinctions from those who supported the communist regime established in North Korea after liberation.

Kim Hyung-seok Independence Hall Director Controversy

Another major focus of the hearing was Kwon's position on Kim Hyung-seok, the current director of the Independence Hall of Korea, who has been embroiled in controversy since his appointment in August 2024. Kim has faced criticism from the Korea Liberation Association and other independence movement organizations for allegedly holding "New Right" historical views that they claim distort the legacy of the independence movement.

When questioned about Kim's appointment, Kwon stated that "if I become minister, I will first meet with him" and "examine the appointment process in detail". He added that "political appointees should all undergo reconfirmation procedures when the appointing authority changes," suggesting potential changes to Kim's position. However, when directly asked if he would recommend Kim's dismissal, Kwon took a more cautious stance, saying he would "examine the content specifically and take appropriate measures as minister if problems are confirmed, but it should be handled somewhat carefully".

The controversy surrounding Kim Hyung-seok has been particularly intense, with the Independence Hall canceling its Liberation Day ceremony for the first time in 37 years. The Korea Liberation Association has boycotted government events, stating they cannot participate in celebrations while someone who "justifies colonial rule" serves as director.

The North Korea 'Main Enemy' Statement and Subsequent Apology

Perhaps the most politically explosive moment of the hearing came when Kwon was asked whether North Korea should be considered South Korea's "main enemy." His response that "there are ambiguous points in calling it the main enemy at this point" and questioning whether there was a need to "use terminology from 20-30 years ago when we should be moving toward a North-South peace system" immediately drew sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Kwon elaborated that "if North Korea uses force, we should retaliate immediately, but just because they say harsh words about us doesn't mean we should respond in kind and escalate tensions through words". This nuanced position on North Korea policy reflected his view that South Korea should avoid inflammatory rhetoric while maintaining strong defensive capabilities.

However, as criticism from opposition parties intensified, Kwon was forced to backtrack, stating "I apologize for the inappropriate expression". The incident highlighted the sensitive nature of North Korea policy discussions in South Korean politics, where any perceived softness toward the regime can become a major political liability. The apology demonstrated the challenges faced by nominees who attempt to articulate more nuanced positions on inter-Korean relations.

Gender Sensitivity and Past Social Media Controversies

The hearing also addressed concerns about Kwon's gender sensitivity, focusing on problematic social media posts from his past. Lawmakers questioned him about posts that included descriptions of women's first sexual experiences while encouraging voting, defending former National Assembly Speaker Park Hee-tae in a caddie sexual harassment case, and using inappropriate slang terms related to large-scale dating events called "Solo Daechup".

Kwon acknowledged the inappropriateness of these posts, stating "Why did I use such inappropriate words? I thought I should receive gender sensitivity education. I learned a lot through this opportunity". His response reflected a broader issue in Korean politics where past social media activity has become a significant factor in political appointments. The controversy highlighted changing social standards regarding gender-related language and the expectations placed on public officials.

The gender sensitivity issues were particularly significant given the role of the Veterans Affairs Ministry in serving diverse constituencies, including female veterans and military families. Critics argued that someone with such past statements might not be suitable for a position requiring sensitivity to all veterans regardless of gender.

Additional Controversies and Political Implications

Beyond the major policy issues, Kwon faced questions about various other controversies, including allegations of "multiple employment" where he simultaneously worked for several organizations while receiving substantial compensation. Lawmakers also criticized his failure to return election security deposits following a conviction for election law violations.

The hearing revealed broader tensions within South Korean politics about historical interpretation, veteran recognition, and inter-Korean relations. Kwon's background as a former conservative politician who later supported the progressive Lee Jae-myung administration made him a particularly contentious figure. Conservative lawmakers accused him of being an opportunistic "migratory bird" politician who changes positions for personal gain.

The confirmation hearing process itself became a reflection of South Korea's polarized political environment, where nominees face intense scrutiny not only for their qualifications but also for their ideological positions and past statements. The case highlighted the challenges facing the Lee Jae-myung administration in appointing officials who can navigate Korea's complex political landscape while implementing progressive policies.