Chief of Staff Lim Gwang-hyeon: "Apologies for Withdrawal of 5 Ministerial Nominees... Appointments Follow System"

Presidential Chief of Staff Lim Gwang-hyeon stated regarding cabinet and Cheong Wa Dae personnel appointments, "Under the principle of placing competent talent in the right positions, the sovereign people's government makes personnel appointments in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."

Chief of Staff Lim gave this response today (October 29) during the parliamentary audit of Cheong Wa Dae by the National Assembly's House Steering Committee after Representative Kim Min-jeon of the People Power Party questioned the personnel vetting system.

However, Lim noted, "There have been instances where five ministerial nominees fell through. Regarding this matter, as chairman of the personnel committee, I feel deeply apologetic to the public."

Regarding the appointments of Cheong Wa Dae aides, he promised, "They are being carried out well and systematically under the responsibility of the chief of staff, who chairs the personnel committee," adding, "We will further strengthen vetting and other measures going forward so there are no public concerns."

Meanwhile, during the questioning, Rep. Kim claimed, "The Seongnam faction from Gyeonggi Province and former lawyers for President Lee Jae-myung are currently at the core of the presidential secretariat," asking, "Doesn't this ultimately mean that Kim Hyeon-ji, head of the Cheong Wa Dae First Attached Office, wields very strong influence over personnel appointments?"

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.