[Anchor]
Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok actively defended nominee Kim Seung-won, calling him an "increasingly well-chosen appointment." In contrast, the Democratic Party is increasingly distancing itself from nominee Yong Hye-in, stating it will "strictly monitor the public eye." Attention is now focused on whether the Cheong Wa Dae will maintain its existing stance of waiting until the confirmation hearings in light of this ruling party atmosphere.
Reporter Kang Min-u has the details.
[Reporter]
Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok today (September 11) praised Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won, making it clear that he intends to protect him.
[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader: The more you watch nominee Kim Seung-won, the more I judge him to be a well-chosen appointment. We will protect him.]
On the other hand, the Democratic Party's overall atmosphere regarding Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in reads as "monitoring public opinion trends" and "keeping a distance."
[Park Sung-jun / Democratic Party Senior Spokesperson: We are strictly viewing this from the public's perspective, and I would like to say that we are emergency-gathering evaluations and opinions both inside and outside the party, centered around the leadership.]
Democratic Party lawmakers also told SBS that "nominee Yong handled her initial response poorly" or that "she should voluntarily resign."
In particular, there were many points made within the Democratic Party that yesterday's press conference by nominee Yong poured "oil" on the "fire" of negative public opinion.
While Cheong Wa Dae did not release an evaluation of the press conference, the atmosphere is reportedly one of embarrassment as it proceeded without prior consultation.
It was learned that Cheong Wa Dae conveyed its intention to dissuade her just before yesterday's press conference, noting that the timing overlapped with President Lee Jae-myung's return event from his trip to France, but the press conference was pushed through anyway.
Today, Cheong Wa Dae maintained its existing stance of watching until the confirmation hearings.
[Kang Yu-jung / Cheong Wa Dae Senior Spokesperson: Cheong Wa Dae's stance is that an opportunity must be provided to explain to the public, and we are listening closely to the diverse voices of the citizens.]
The timing when public sentiment regarding nominee Yong—gathered from various angles by the ruling party—is delivered to Cheong Wa Dae is expected to be a watershed moment determining whether her nomination is withdrawn or she is appointed.
(Photo courtesy of Yonhap News) (Video Reporting: Jeong Sang-bo, Yoon Hyeong | Video Editing: Jeon Min-gyu | Design: Jang Seong-beom)
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