Rival political parties were locked in a fierce standoff Monday over the parliamentary confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee to lead the newly launched Ministry of Planning and Budget, amid disputes over her qualifications and allegations of misconduct. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) refused to hold the hearing, citing what it viewed as Lee's failure to adequately submit requested materials. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) argued that the hearing should proceed as scheduled so that the National Assembly could properly evaluate the nominee. The Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee chair, Rep. Lim Lee-ja of the PPP, declined to hold the confirmation hearing slated for 10 a.m. She told members of the two parties in the committee to reach an agreement about submission of the materials, such as records of real estate purchases. "If we are to hold a proper confirmation hearing, we need proper materials," Rep. Park Soo-young of the PPP said during the meeting. He claimed that the nominee had submitted only a small portion of the requested documents. La