S. Korean opposition opposes female foreign minister’s nomination

Seoul, June 9 (IANS) South Korean opposition parties on Friday opposed the nomination of the country's first female foreign minister amid controversy over her daughters.

The parliamentary confirmation hearing for Kang Kyung-wha was held earlier this week in the National Assembly, but three major opposition parties refused to agree to the appointment, reports Xinhua news agency.

Kang was embroiled in a set of controversies including the false address registration for one of her two daughters.

Supporters for Kang said it was aimed to help her daughter, who had stayed abroad for long, enter a high school that she can more conveniently be accustomed to, while opponents claimed it was the violation of law.

In the past, the false address registration was used to make a speculative investment in real estate.

One of Kang's daughters was also criticised for having a dual nationality, but the daughter decided to give up her US citizenship. Kang had lived for long in the US as she worked for the UN.

Kang's two daughters were blamed for the belated payment of gift taxes.

The main opposition Liberty Korea Party held a party meeting, deciding to oppose the nomination of the foreign minister nominee.

Despite the objection from the opposition parties, President Moon Jae-in can ratify the appointment.

The ruling Democratic Party asked its rival parties to accept the nomination to fill the diplomatic vacuum as early as possible.

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