[Breaking] Presidential Office: Regarding Allegations Against Ministerial Nominees, “Will Make Judgments After Observing Explanations”

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

The presidential office announced that it will maintain its position of observing the explanation process through confirmation hearings regarding the various allegations against first-term cabinet nominees.
The People Power Party reportedly urged the withdrawal of the nomination of Lee Jin-sook due to allegations of thesis plagiarism and of nominee Kang due to workplace abuse suspicions.
The Democratic Party stated that, since there was no serious impact on public opinion, it would continue to defend the nominees.

*President Lee Jae-myung delivers his first policy speech after taking office at the National Assembly’s plenary session on the 26th of last month. Photo = Kim Beom-jun, The Korea Economic Daily*

The presidential office has reaffirmed its stance that it will observe the nominees’ explanations during their confirmation hearings and then make a decision, regarding the possible withdrawal of the first-term cabinet candidates amidst various allegations.

Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, answered a question during a briefing held that afternoon at the presidential office in Yongsan, regarding whether the case of lawmaker Kang Sun-woo is considered grounds for withdrawal by the presidential office.

Spokesperson Kang further responded to the question, “If the explanation is insufficient, does that mean further withdrawal is possible?” by saying, “The confirmation hearing is an arena where multiple suspicions are clarified and qualifications are assessed in front of the public and lawmakers. We expect that public suspicions will be addressed there.”

The People Power Party is strongly urging the withdrawal of the nomination of Lee Jin-sook due to suspicions of plagiarism and appropriating a student’s thesis, as well as allegations of workplace abuse by nominee Kang. However, the Democratic Party has continued to defend the nominees, believing there has been no “decisive blow” that would have a seriously negative impact on public opinion.

Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com correspondent mshong@hankyung.com