"Meddling in Superior's Appointment" vs. "Kim Ji-yong's Track Record Is the Problem"

[Anchor]

Reactions within the broader ruling bloc were also divided over the latest internal inspection order. The Democratic Party evaluated the order to inspect Chief Lim Eun-jung as a common-sense measure. On the other hand, the Rebuilding Korea Party criticized the inspection as inappropriate, stating that "nominee Kim Ji-yong's past record is the fundamental problem."

Ha Jeong-yeon reports.

[Reporter]

On October 9, President Lee Jae-myung posted on social media, "The problem is demanding high positions without having the ability, and attacking from within under the guise of radical reform."

The remarks prompted interpretations that he was targeting hardliners on prosecution reform within the broader ruling bloc who have been criticizing Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief nominee Kim Ji-yong day after day as a so-called "pro-Yoon prosecutor."

When asked whether today's inspection order targeting Lim Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crimes Investigation Agency who has publicly criticized nominee Kim, was related to the president's remarks two days ago, a Cheong Wa Dae official drew the line, saying, "It was not referring to any specific individual, but a general comment about those who pursue self-interest under the banner of reform."

Within the Democratic Party, where concerns over Chief Lim had already been raised,

[Kim Young-jin / Democratic Party Lawmaker (KBC 'Yeouido Senior Dialogue'): "If you really want to engage in politics, you need to step down and do politics."]

today's inspection order was assessed as a common-sense step.

[Cho Gye-won / Democratic Party Spokesperson: "The head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is Prosecutor Lim Eun-jung's superior. Meddling in a superior's appointment matters itself makes no sense..."]

On the other hand, the Rebuilding Korea Party criticized the move, saying, "It is inappropriate that an environment where one cannot voice concerns about nominee Kim according to one's convictions is being created through the inspection order against Chief Lim." The party also argued that nominee Kim's past career is the fundamental problem and that controversial candidates should be resolved quickly.

Democratic Party Lawmaker Kim Yong-min, who had criticized nominee Kim by comparing him to pro-Japanese collaborators, also posted, as if refuting President Lee's October 9 social media post, "I did not enter politics to seek positions." Internal clashes within the broader ruling bloc are expected to continue until nominee Kim's National Assembly confirmation hearing on October 14.

(Video by Lee Seung-hwan | Video Editing by Jang Hyeon-gi | Graphics by Hwang Se-yeon)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.