국회 인사청문회의 전문성 제고 방안

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the problems of the system of confirmation hearings executed by the National Assembly of Korea and the present means of improving the system. For this purpose, current legal and systemic statuses of confirmation hearings both in Korea and overseas were compared, and searches were made regarding the preceding theories presented to enhance the efficiency of confirmation hearings. Moreover, a survey was conducted through questionnaire to deduce specific means of improvement, transcending the domains of discussion about the enhancement of confirmation hearings at a theoretical level. The questionnaire survey was prepared with the awareness and evaluation of the confirmation hearings for candidates for high-government positions as designated by the Moon Jae-in administration, and investigated the validity of having experts in the corresponding areas participate in the confirmation hearings. One of the anticipated factors that imparts influence on the enhancement of efficiency of confirmation hearings through the participation of experts in active duties in various areas is securing of objectivity and rationality. That is, through the participation of experts, it is anticipated that factional disputes between the governing and opposition parties can be ended, confirmation hearings inundated with personal attacks on the candidates can be sublated, and verification of morality and policy capabilities can be anticipated. The majority of people choose a proper value system, morality, and leadership to pursue effective policies and draw out social consensus as the key qualifications of candidates for ministerial-level positions. This study is significant from the perspective that there is a need to improve confirmation hearings in order to establish procedures and achieve results that fulfill the wishes of the general public.