By Kim Hyo-jin
Prime Minister Nominee Hwang Kyo-ahn is under growing criticism for not paying income tax on due dates up until his nomination was announced.
Hwang allegedly paid outstanding income tax owed in one transaction, Tuesday, after Cheong Wa Dae sent out a motion to the National Assembly to schedule confirmation hearings.
"It appears that the nominee views making tax payments as a ticket to being a prime minister," said Kang Hee-yong, vice spokesman of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) in a press briefing. "It is suspicious whether he would have done so if he had not been nominated."
The news came after Hwang had already been criticized for another tax-related irregularity.
The incumbent justice minister's daughter allegedly paid overdue gift tax of 4.5 million won, just three days before Cheong Wa Dae announced his nomination on May 20.
It raised suspicions that such payments were made to avoid questions during the confirmation hearings.
"Despite failing three times to appoint a credible prime minister, the Park Geun-hye administration has once again chosen one with serious flaws," said Sim Sang-jeung the minor opposition Justice Party's floor leader during a meeting. "We need to prevent him from taking the post through tough hearings."
Hwang is expected to face intense scrutiny from the opposition parties. The NPAD and the Justice Party have already looked into his military exemption, conservative views on national security, and breaking the pledge on donations.
The question has been raised about the amount of donations he has made for the last two years.
The incumbent justice minister pledged to return the money he earned to society during his confirmation hearing in 2013.
The opposition party took issue with 1.6 billion won he earned while working as a lawyer for 17 months after leaving the prosecution in 2011. Despite his pledge, he ended up only paying 13 million won.
The NPAD criticized Hwang, saying this was only for the purposes of "saving face." The ruling Saenuri Party supported the nominee, saying his donations were "still under way."
The ruling and opposition parties formed the Assembly's confirmation hearing committee composed of 12 members.
The Assembly is required to hold confirmation hearings before June 9 _ within 15 days after a motion is filed.
Cheong Wa Dae expressed hopes of completing the confirmation hearing before the President's visit to the United States on June 14.
The presidential office also said that it was a "prerequisite" to push for reforms aimed at reviving the economy.