Cheong Wa Dae Draws the Line on Justice Minister's Resignation Remarks, Saying "Nothing Officially Confirmed"

Cheong Wa Dae distanced itself today (the 27th) from Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho's public remarks about his intention to resign, denying that any such expression of resignation has actually been made.

Some interpret this as a move to prevent the unexpected variable from creating a major fallout during the final phase of prosecution reform, while also indirectly comforting Minister Chung and sending a message urging him to continue his role.

During a plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee earlier in the day, Minister Chung responded to a question regarding his future by saying, "Shouldn't new wine be put into new wineskins?"

This came after he made his intention to resign official on the 25th by stating, "There is nothing left for me to do and no will left," reiterating his desire to step down.

At the time, he explained, "I haven't spoken directly to the President, but my intention to resign has been conveyed through Cheong Wa Dae aides for a long time."

However, a Cheong Wa Dae official accompanying President Lee on his tour of South America told reporters today, "Nothing has been officially confirmed regarding Minister Chung's expression of resignation," adding, "Therefore, the expression of resignation is not true."

Superficially, this is interpreted to mean that Minister Chung has not gone through formal internal procedures, such as delivering a formal notice of resignation, aside from making remarks outside official channels.

At the same time, given that Minister Chung continues to make public statements, some raise the possibility that this may be a polite way of conveying President Lee's stance that he cannot accept the resignation.

Consequently, observers note that the current situation will inevitably have to await a final resolution until after President Lee returns home from his overseas trip.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.