Kim Min-seok Defends Kim Seung-won as "Better Choice Over Time"... Democratic Party Keeps Distance from Yong Hyein

[Anchor]

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok has actively defended nominee Kim Seung-won, calling him "a better choice the more you look at him." In contrast, the Democratic Party is increasingly keeping its distance from nominee Yong Hyein, stating that it will "monitor the situation strictly from the public's eye level." Attention is now focused on whether the Cheong Wa Dae will maintain its existing stance of waiting until the confirmation hearings in light of this ruling party atmosphere.

This is reporter Kang Min-u.

[Reporter]

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok praised Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won today (September 11) and made it clear that he intends to defend him.

[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader : The more you watch nominee Kim Seung-won, the more I judge him to be a well-made appointment. We will protect him.]

On the other hand, the Democratic Party's overall stance toward Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hyein is being read as "monitoring public opinion trends" and "keeping a distance."

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

Some Democratic Party lawmakers also told SBS that "nominee Yong handled her initial response poorly" or that "they believe a voluntary resignation is the right path."

In particular, many within the Democratic Party pointed out that yesterday's press conference by nominee Yong only "poured oil" on the "fire" of negative public opinion.

While Cheong Wa Dae has not issued an official evaluation of the press conference, the atmosphere is reportedly one of embarrassment as it was held without prior consultation.

It was learned that Cheong Wa Dae attempted to dissuade her just before yesterday's press conference, noting that the timing overlapped with President Lee Jae-myung's return event from his state visit to France, but the press conference was pushed through anyway.

Today, Cheong Wa Dae maintained its existing stance of waiting until the confirmation hearings.

[Kang Yu-jung / Cheong Wa Dae Senior Spokesperson : Cheong Wa Dae's stance is that an opportunity should be provided to explain to the public, and we are listening closely to the various voices of the citizens.]

It is forecasted that the timing of when public sentiment regarding nominee Yong—gathered from various angles within the ruling party—is delivered to Cheong Wa Dae will become a critical watershed moment determining whether her nomination is withdrawn or finalized.

(Video reporting: Jung Sang-bo, Yoon Hyeong | Video editing: Jeon Min-gyu | Design: Jang Seong-beom)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.