Kim Min-seok Defends Nominee Kim Seung-won as "Well-Chosen," Keeps Distance From Yong Hye-in

[Anchor]

As controversies continue to surround Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok came to his active defense, stating that "the more you watch, the better the appointment looks." On the other hand, while negative evaluations regarding Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in are emerging even within the Democratic Party, the Blue House maintains its stance of waiting until the confirmation hearings.

Here is reporter Kang Min-u with the details.

[Reporter]

Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok offered high praise for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, making it clear that he intends to protect him.

[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader: The more you observe nominee Kim Seung-won, the more I believe he is a well-chosen appointment. We will protect him.]

In contrast, the Democratic Party's overall current of opinion regarding Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in is interpreted as "monitoring public sentiment trends" and "keeping a distance."

[Park Sung-jun / Democratic Party Senior Spokesperson: We are viewing this strictly from the perspective of the public's expectations, and I can tell you that we are urgently gathering evaluations and opinions from both inside and outside the party, centered around the leadership.]

Some Democratic Party lawmakers also expressed opinions to SBS, saying, "Nominee Yong handled her initial response poorly" or "I believe a voluntary resignation is the right path."

In particular, many negative assessments of nominee Yong's press conference held the day before yesterday (the 10th) came from within the Democratic Party.

While the Blue House did not release an official evaluation of the press conference, the atmosphere is one of perplexity as it proceeded without prior consultation.

It was learned that Blue House officials attempted to dissuade her just before the briefing—noting that the timing overlapped with President Lee Jae-myung's return event from his state visit to France—but the conference was pushed through anyway.

The Blue House maintained its existing stance of watching developments until the confirmation hearing.

[Kang Yu-jung / Senior Blue House Spokesperson: The Blue House's position is that an opportunity should be provided for her 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—compiled by the ruling party—is delivered to the Blue House is expected to serve as a watershed moment determining whether her nomination is withdrawn or finalized.

(Video reporting: Jung Sang-bo, Yoon Hyeong | Video editing: Jeon Min-gyu | Design: Jang Sung-beom)

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