"Must Not Add Burden to the Administration": Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Steps Down

[Anchor]

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won has voluntarily stepped down from his nomination as minister of justice. He apologized, stating that he "fell short of public expectations." While the ruling bloc appeared set to push forward with his appointment until just two days ago, the political climate abruptly changed. Representative Kim said, "I made up my mind after watching the president's press conference yesterday (September 18)."

Reporter Kwon Ji-yoon reports first.

[Reporter]

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won held an unscheduled press conference at 11 a.m. today, stepping down from the post of justice minister nominee 20 days after being named, stating during a roughly three-minute address that he was "deeply sorry for failing to live up to expectations."

[Kim Seung-won / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "I heavily accept that I fell short of public expectations, and I will deeply reflect on my shortcomings."]

This comes just one day after President Lee Jae-myung said at a press conference yesterday morning regarding the appointment that he "has not reached a final decision and will decide carefully in consideration of public expectations."

[Kim Seung-won / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "I made up my mind after watching the president's press conference. I believed that not even the slightest burden should be added to the administration, which must complete reforms."]

When asked if there had been prior discussions with the ruling party and the Blue House, he answered:

[Kim Seung-won / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "What pained me most was becoming a burden to the president."]

However, Representative Kim maintained his position that there was no wrongdoing concerning allegations of illicit solicitations involving the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, saying, "Even though I step down from the post, I will not give up on the truth."

[Kim Seung-won / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "I will uncover the full truth behind Han Dong-hoon's illegal leaking and splicing of investigative secrets to the very end."]

The Blue House stated, "We respect the nominee's decision," adding, "We understand that the nominee made this choice to ease the burden on state affairs."

The Democratic Party, which had unilaterally adopted the confirmation hearing report just two days ago calling him the "right person for justice administration," released a written commentary saying, "We respect this agonizing decision, and we will listen with a humbler and lower posture."

The conservative opposition called it "too little, too late" and a "personnel disaster," demanding a reinvestigation into the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety solicitation allegations and disciplinary action against those responsible for the vetting process.

[Park Sung-hoon / Chief Spokesperson, People Power Party: "Do not think of cutting off the tail (through nominee Kim Seung-won's voluntary resignation). We will thoroughly investigate the background to uncover who the true mastermind behind this personnel disaster is."]

As of today, a total of five cabinet nominees have been dropped under the Lee Jae-myung administration, and Representative Kim is the first among them to step down after a confirmation hearing report had already been adopted.

He is the third sitting lawmaker in history to fail to assume a ministerial post after nomination, following Representatives Kang Sun-woo and Yong Hye-in.

(Video by Shin Dong-hwan | Video Editing by Park Seon-soo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.