"No Conclusion Yet" on Kim Seung-won's Appointment; Lee Appeals to Base as "Comrades"

[Anchor]

Led by the ruling party, the confirmation hearing report for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has been sent to the presidential office, leaving only the president's decision. President Lee Jae-myung stated that he has not yet reached a conclusion. In addition, President Lee blamed himself for the recent drop in approval ratings and divisions within the ruling camp, while emphasizing to traditional supporters that all are pro-Moon, pro-Roh, and comrades.

Kang Min-u reports.

[Reporter]

Although President Lee Jae-myung received the confirmation hearing report for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won—which was passed unilaterally by the Democratic Party in the National Assembly yesterday (September 17)—he has not yet formally approved Kim's appointment.

When asked whether he would appoint Kim, President Lee prefaced that personnel appointments become increasingly difficult the more one does them, and answered that he has not yet reached a conclusion, adding that he will make a careful decision considering the public's expectations.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "I see various controversies arising during the public vetting process. I haven't reached a final conclusion yet, and..."]

Regarding questions about controversies surrounding the recent cabinet reshuffle, including nominee Kim and former Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in who withdrew, President Lee refrained from direct comments, saying only that he "plans to re-examine the personnel vetting system."

Regarding the drop in presidential approval ratings, he humbled himself, saying that he lacked consideration, attentiveness, and communication.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "I came to think, 'It was because of my own shortcomings.' In the end, perhaps there was a lack of respect for the public."]

In particular, he devoted considerable time to addressing the divisions between hardliners and moderates within the ruling camp sparked by prosecution reform issues, as well as the decline in support among traditional supporters.

He urged people looking in the same direction not to doubt each other's sincerity just because their paths and methods differ, adding that it is regrettable to see hateful language being exchanged.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "We are all pro-Moon, pro-Roh, pro-Kim Dae-jung, and comrades of Lee Jae-myung."]

Stating that prosecution reform is nearing its finish line, he also made this plea to his supporters:

[President Lee Jae-myung: "I ask you once again to dispel suspicions like 'He is trying to do something by siding with the prosecution' or 'He is retreating on reform.'"]

This remark is interpreted as keeping in mind the backlash from some hardliners within the broader ruling bloc against the nomination of Kim Ji-yong, a former prosecutor, as head of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, effectively emphasizing that his "commitment to prosecution reform remains unchanged."

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo and Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Lee Seunghee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.