Cheong Wa Dae Says "Difficult to Confirm" Reports of Petition Detailing Additional Allegations Against Kim Seung-won

Regarding the voluntary resignation of former Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, Cheong Wa Dae stated on September 19 that "matters related to personnel are difficult to confirm," responding to media reports that a petition detailing allegations including sexual harassment against Kim was recently delivered to the presidential office.

An official from Cheong Wa Dae conveyed this position to the press on the same day.

Earlier in the morning, Kim stepped down, stating that he "fell short of the public's expectations."

He cited that "we must not add even a small burden to the administration that must complete reform" as his reason for resigning, but additional allegations against Kim have been raised in political circles.

Following his resignation press conference, Kim did not respond to questions from reporters asking, "Did a new issue being raised lead to your resignation?" and "Are there any allegations other than those already raised?"

Earlier, a media outlet reported that Kim's former aides delivered a petition to Cheong Wa Dae on September 17 through Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ik-pyo and others, detailing allegations of Kim's past sexual harassment and attempts to cover it up, along with an additional drunk driving incident and other solicitation allegations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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