Rep. Kim Young-jin on Controversy Over Yong Hye-in's Dual Roles: "She Has Done Well in Parliament, Let's Watch Her Decision... Cho Kuk Acts as 'Red Team'"

-Kim Yong-beom's Resignation? Seems Decided After Listening Closely to Public Sentiment on Real Estate
-Timing is Regrettable... Successor Should Be Someone to Accelerate 'Growth'
-President Lee Cabinet Reshuffle Based on Capability, Transcending Party Lines Like Appointing Lee Hae-min
-Lee's Approval Rating in the 30% Range? Time to Create Rebound Momentum with Reshuffle
-Also Listening to Public Sentiment in Seoul... Expanding to Centrists and Consolidating Base Simultaneously
-Nominee Yong Hye-in? Intent Was Likely to Foster Young Talent
-Understand Deliberation Over Dual Roles to Maintain Party... Must Explain Before Confirmation Hearing
-Kim Seung-won's Solicitation Allegation? Explained as Conveying a Petition Related to New Drugs
-No Money Exchanged, Questionable if It Warranted a Suspension of Indictment
-Cho Kuk's Direct Hits on President? General Statements... Acting as a Red Team
-National Police Agency Commissioner to Be Appointed Promptly to Tighten Police Discipline

■ Program: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 – 9:00)
■ Date: September 3, 2026 (Thursday)
■ Host: Attorney Kim Tae-hyun
■ Guest: Democratic Party Rep. Kim Young-jin (Chairman of the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee)

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Joining us today is the young man who always speaks his mind, Democratic Party Representative Kim Young-jin. Hello.

[Kim Young-jin] : Nice to meet you.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Looking at another interview you did last week, you said that multiple people who introduced single-stock leveraged ETFs should take responsibility. In the end, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom took responsibility. Did you convey your opinion to the presidential office that it was right to sort this out because public sentiment was alarming?

[Kim Young-jin] : I did not do that. In fact, on that issue, I merely mentioned that the market public opinion and surrounding sentiment were in such a state; I did not deliver that directly or anything like that.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : In any case, then, was the president's decision a good one? Whether it was a dismissal or a resignation, stepping down from the position, that is.

[Kim Young-jin] : As Chief Kim Yong-beom said when he resigned, his mission after the change of administration was to create growth momentum for South Korea's economy, which was caught in the quagmire of negative growth and 1% low growth under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. He played important roles well by making judgments and decisions on key policies like mega-projects. However, on microeconomic aspects like leveraged ETFs or real estate policies, I think he made a good judgment and decision after listening attentively to various public opinions.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Looking at a report in the Chosun Ilbo, though the exact timing was not mentioned in the article, it was reported that Representative Kim Min-seok strongly recommended the dismissal to the presidential office. Was there such an atmosphere within the party saying that public sentiment was alarming?

[Kim Young-jin] : In reality, because issues related to real estate policies and leveraged ETFs in the stock market were directly reflected in the administration's approval rating and party support, it was indeed an issue that everyone watched closely. As for whether the party leader conveyed such public sentiment, I have no specific knowledge, so speaking on that would be getting ahead of myself.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : However, Representative, what is still puzzling is that if he was going to be replaced, doing it together with the overall cabinet reshuffle on Sunday would have been more effective by showing that the president was listening to public sentiment and replacing even the policy chief. Leaving him out that day led media to question why Chief Kim Yong-beom was excluded, and replacing him a day later led to articles questioning why it happened suddenly in just one day and if something went wrong. So I wonder if the choice of timing was a bit of a misstep.

[Kim Young-jin] : Partially, it might have been better if the picture had been aligned like that. But looking at the whole picture—with six ministries, the Senior Presidential Secretary for AI, and Chief Kim Yong-beom's resignation—I think the scope of the reshuffle and the personnel changes were made in line with points of transition after listening to the public's opinions. In short, despite various criticisms, I think this medium-scale reshuffle demonstrated a shift in major policies regarding the Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as an acceptance of public sentiment. I think Chief Kim Yong-beom also accepted those points and proceeded, even if there was a slight time difference.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Then the next policy chief is a very important position, arguably the most important one. What concept do you think it should follow? A change from what Chief Kim Yong-beom did so far, or maintaining the course? Broadly speaking, it is one of the two.

[Kim Young-jin] : In terms of broad direction, it will be maintained, but judgments will be needed regarding partial adjustments. In reality, next year's budget stands at 821 trillion won, the largest super-budget in history, and because a strong portion of that budget comes from an increase in semiconductor tax revenue, I think deliberations are focused on someone who can execute policy roles with more speed and excellence—focusing on areas where such a budget can be turned into growth momentum, and acting as a catalyst that affects the entire industry rather than just the semiconductor sector.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : You know the president well. Usually, such positions go to bureaucrats, politicians, or professors, as you well know. What style do you think the president will prefer?

[Kim Young-jin] : Rather than focusing on what someone's past career was, the president will likely select and appoint someone based on competence—who knows that field best, and who can push forward competently and swiftly. Looking at any appointment, even in this medium-scale reshuffle, the ministerial nominees are people who showed outstanding competence and actually played roles in those fields. Furthermore, wasn't Representative Lee Hae-min of the Rebuilding Korea Party appointed as Senior Secretary for AI, transcending party lines, because she had worked in that field for a long time and had verified competence? I think the policy chief will be appointed in that same direction.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Representative, every time you do an interview, you probably get this question: the president's approval rating is not good right now. Thinking back to around the local elections, it has dropped by about 30% in three months. It must feel like a major crisis within the Democratic Party given the current situation.

[Kim Young-jin] : That is how we see the current situation, as it dropped about 20% from 60% to 40%. In reality, in the year following the change of administration, our citizens should have felt tangible improvements in their lives and positive changes, but that feeling seems somewhat lacking. Furthermore, because our failure to respond nimbly to real estate supply policies and volatility in the stock market influenced public opinion, we are currently pursuing points of change regarding those aspects. That is why housing policy and tax policy were modified in response to public opinion, was it not? The comprehensive real estate tax for non-residential single households is being applied identically, and the fair market value ratio for tax rates is maintained at the current 60% without being raised. All around, I believe points of change were introduced by accepting the market and public opinion, and that manifested in this cabinet reshuffle and the resignation of Chief Kim Yong-beom. The intent and direction now seem to be halting further decline and creating momentum for a turnaround.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Since we mentioned the opinion poll, I should share the figures. Realmeter surveyed 2,509 adults aged 18 and older nationwide from August 24 to 28, using 100% wireless automated response system (ARS). Details can be found on the National Election Survey Deliberation Committee website. In the evaluation of the president's performance, positive was 38.9% and negative was 58.7%. With that in mind, was this cabinet reshuffle also one of the measures intended to boost the president's approval rating?

[Kim Young-jin] : It reflected public sentiment. I think this medium-scale reshuffle demonstrated the resolve to adjust what went wrong in line with public sentiment and public standards, to scout more competent people, and to move according to the will of the people. So I believe it will move in that direction. The most prominent factor in this approval rating was that support in the Seoul metropolitan area was quite low, reflecting all of those issues, so you can see it as adjusting policies step by step regarding that matter.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Then, as the president speaks of "New Lee Jae-myung," is the concept of this reshuffle conscious of centrists who are eager for tangible outcomes, or is it about consolidating the base?

[Kim Young-jin] : I think it did both.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Really?

[Kim Young-jin] : In short, the Lee Jae-myung administration began as an alliance for impeachment after stopping President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law, did it not? While upholding the fundamental values and spirit of that impeachment alliance, the overarching direction is to add something more—changing the lives of the people and creating a path for centrist expansion through pragmatic policies. I see this cabinet reshuffle as aligning with that direction. That is why appointments like Representative Lee Hae-min of the Rebuilding Korea Party and the nomination of Representative Yong Hye-in as minister emerged in this reshuffle. It respects those from the Rebuilding Korea Party and others who helped form the administration, while seeking to expand toward the center through a government that delivers results. You can see it as recruiting experts from various fields through this medium-scale reshuffle.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Understood. We are finally entering the confirmation hearing phase, although the Public Administration and Security Committee does not have one.

[Kim Young-jin] : No, we will have one shortly. Since the Personnel Hearing Act was passed, public recommendations for the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency are underway right now. So once it is sent to the National Assembly, since the agency launches on October 2, I expect the confirmation hearing will take place sometime in September.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : You startled me. When you said there would be one shortly in the Public Administration and Security Committee, I thought, a minister? I was surprised. The head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, right, needs to be newly appointed. For now, the Gender Equality and Family Committee seems likely to be busy. What should be done regarding ministerial nominee Yong Hye-in?

[Kim Young-jin] : She is a nominee, a designated candidate. Although there were various issues, I think there was an intent to give a role to a younger and more capable person and foster them.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : The president's good intentions?

[Kim Young-jin] : That is right. Secondly, South Korea's party system has become rigidly fixed into a two-party system between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, has it not? In that context, the paths for minor parties have become quite difficult: the Progressive Party, the Rebuilding Korea Party, the Basic Income Party, and the Social Democratic Party. As our society changes considerably and the aspirations and wishes of the people cannot be fully accommodated by the two major parties, I believe those minor parties have a role. That is why the Progressive Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Basic Income Party, and the Rebuilding Korea Party exist. However, because opening that path and stabilizing the party system are also important for the overall development of the country, I believe Representative Yong Hye-in was nominated as a minister even though the Basic Income Party is a one-seat party.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Yes.

[Kim Young-jin] : So there must be such dilemmas. If Representative Yong Hye-in resigns from her parliamentary seat, the Basic Income Party will disappear from the National Assembly, causing serious obstacles to pursuing their party values and agenda. I think they had their own deliberations about maintaining the parliamentary seat while serving as minister. Therefore, since there is time before and during the confirmation hearing, nominee Yong Hye-in will likely make a judgment and decision about it. But I believe the nomination was made while being aware of that dilemma, and nominee Yong Hye-in is also likely aware of such concerns.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : In conclusion, from the Democratic Party's standpoint, and from your position as someone very close to the president, there seems to be no leeway to accommodate the circumstances of the Basic Income Party. For the success of the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration, is it right for Minister-nominee Yong Hye-in to step down from her parliamentary seat, or to keep both?

[Kim Young-jin] : I think we should take some time and observe. While there is strong criticism and reprimand questioning whether serving as a proportional representative twice and then being nominated as a minister constitutes special privilege, as I mentioned earlier, there are considerations regarding maintaining the Basic Income Party as a small party and the fact that there are people who agree with and support its policies. Therefore, my stance is that we need to watch nominee Yong Hye-in's judgment and decision.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Then are you saying that when the presidential office made the nomination, they foresaw that this issue could arise, but nominated her judging that keeping the parliamentary seat would be acceptable?

[Kim Young-jin] : Wouldn't they have nominated her after reviewing and judging all those underlying circumstances? I do not think they did it without knowing.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : So the presidential office anticipated this situation, and it was the result of a political judgment? I see.

[Kim Young-jin] : In my estimation, they likely reviewed various aspects.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : But many within the party currently say she should step down, and yesterday in an interview with me, Representative Song Young-gil said she has no appeal to those in their 20s and 30s, and that it is right for nominee Yong Hye-in to resign because an unfairness issue is emerging. Everyone may have different thoughts, of course.

[Kim Young-jin] : Since that is Representative Song Young-gil's thought, it would not be appropriate for me to add to it. Regarding nominee Yong Hye-in's strengths and weaknesses, when we watch her legislative activities, she has performed very sharply and well, and I think her abilities were valued. Her being in her 30s was also considered significant. However, regarding those points of criticism, I think it is necessary for her to explain them more clearly before the confirmation hearing begins.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : What about Justice Minister-nominee Kim Seung-won? Because a suspension of indictment was issued over allegations of illicit solicitation regarding a new drug. A suspension of indictment means there is suspicion, but the prosecution shows leniency. Of course, nominee Kim Seung-won's position is, "What are you talking about? I filed a constitutional complaint. Why suspend indictment when I am innocent?" But because he is the Justice Minister nominee, which might not have been a major issue for other ministerial posts, the opposition seems to be taking issue with it.

[Kim Young-jin] : Nominee Kim Seung-won shares the same constituency area with me in Suwon, representing Suwon Gap.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Yes.

[Kim Young-jin] : So I heard many things. In reality, he handled it simply as forwarding a constituent petition regarding matters related to a new drug, and he thought of and proceeded with it purely as a lawmaker conveying a petition with no compensation or financial gain whatsoever. But after investigating for over three years, they found no evidence to charge him, so they should have just cleared him of charges. Instead, the prosecution concluded it with a suspension of indictment, and he felt it was extremely unjust. Since the only way to resolve a suspension of indictment is a constitutional complaint, he filed one. Therefore, I respect nominee Kim Seung-won's position. Lawmakers receive many such petitions in their districts; they cannot reject them all, nor can they accept them all, so he handled it according to petition procedures. And because the investigation found no money or anything beyond that, it resulted in a suspension of indictment. So I actually question whether it was a matter that warranted a suspension of indictment in the first place. I feel it might have been an excessive investigation by Minister Han Dong-hoon or those under him during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Understood. Looking at recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) by Cho Kuk, the former party leader who is now an institute director, he takes direct aim at the president extensively. From saying that dropping the prosecution would be disastrous, to saying that resuming election law trials after leaving office would likely lead to a guilty verdict under current circumstances, and on real estate tax reform, saying the administration is retreating in the face of backlash from the top 1%. He continues to hit the president directly on policy, politics, and all fronts. This sounds almost like commentary coming from the People Power Party. Why do you think he is doing this? What is he aiming for?

[Kim Young-jin] : As former leader Cho Kuk stated, he said he would play the role of a "red team," and it seems he is performing that role.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : A red team aims for the president's success. The concept of a red team is to offer bitter criticism from within to defend preemptively so that the administration succeeds. Do you really think he is doing it for that purpose?

[Kim Young-jin] : I think leader Cho Kuk is criticizing with that kind of mindset.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : For the president's success?

[Kim Young-jin] : The intent is hoping the administration will not fail further, will not retreat further, and will do well amid challenges. Saying whether someone is guilty or not is not something to be judged by reading minds. And I think his emphasis was stating a general principle: that pushing for dropping charges while investigations into fabricated indictments are not properly carried out would cause problems.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Could it be that he is seizing the opportunity as the president's approval rating wavers to seek independent survival and build his own political stature?

[Kim Young-jin] : I cannot know leader Cho Kuk's thoughts, but I do not believe he is doing it with such an objective.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Understood. Final question. Chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee, when will the National Police Agency Commissioner be appointed? The vacancy left by the president has become too prolonged, causing much turmoil within the police.

[Kim Young-jin] : Indeed, as chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee, we want the commissioner to be appointed promptly to restore lax discipline and reestablish the police as an organization ensuring public safety. In fact, I believe incidents like the Jang Hyun-gi incident and the Senior Police Officer Boo incident in Jeju were due to police indiscipline and system errors resulting from the absence of a police chief. So I hope an appointment will be made quickly, and the process will likely proceed now.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Yes.

[Kim Young-jin] : However, appointing a police chief requires selecting and promoting someone from the rank of Senior Superintendent General to Police General. Those who have already retired from the police or have only six months left in their tenure cannot be appointed as commissioner, so there were considerable system difficulties following the dismissal of Commissioner Cho Ji-ho. That is why I hope an appointment is made swiftly.

[Kim Tae-hyun] : Understood. That was Representative Kim Young-jin. Thank you.

[Kim Young-jin] : Thank you.

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