Cheong Wa Dae: "No Obligation to Answer Kim Seung-won Controversy... We Answered Through Personnel Authority"

Cheong Wa Dae stated today (September 21) regarding the additional controversy surrounding Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won, who stepped down as nominee for Minister of Justice, that it has "no responsibility or obligation to answer," adding, "We have answered through personnel authority."

Cheong Wa Dae Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung made the remarks during an appearance on KBS Radio's 'Live Current Affairs' that day, in response to a question asking whether Cheong Wa Dae had received a petition concerning the allegations against lawmaker Kim.

Chief Spokesperson Kang said, "Cheong Wa Dae is an institution that answers through personnel authority and fulfills its responsibilities and obligations regarding personnel authority," adding, "Because personnel authority over the nominee no longer remains, from Cheong Wa Dae's perspective, it is gossip."

In response to criticism questioning whether Cheong Wa Dae's personnel vetting system is flawed, she stated, "While nominations and appointments are made in the name of the president, prior to that, the personnel committee and its chairperson also bear responsibility, and all personnel processes inevitably proceed through this system." She added, "The moment the president said on Friday (at a press conference) that 'if there are areas needing improvement, we will look into them,' the review had already begun."

She continued, "We are in the process of reinforcing and deepening the vetting process itself, and those nominated or appointed afterward will serve as a barometer showing the results of these improvements."

Regarding Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to head the inaugural Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, Chief Spokesperson Kang said, "As there have been demands for additional vetting, we are thoroughly reviewing the matter," adding, "It is difficult to speak definitively about the timing (of the nomination)."

Regarding calls for the re-nomination of a Supreme Court justice, she said, "Because the weight of a vacancy on the Supreme Court is so significant, we are waiting for an answer from the Supreme Court concerning the people's right to a trial," adding, "I presume the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is reviewing various aspects."
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.