Regarding Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to head the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, President Lee Jae-myung said today (October 2), "Considering that he ordered a reinvestigation into the decision not to charge former President Yoon Suk Yeol's mother-in-law for subornation of perjury and was demoted by former President Yoon, would it not be difficult to definitively label him as pro-Yoon at the very least?"

President Lee made the remarks on X (formerly Twitter) after sharing a post by a netizen suggesting that "President Lee is favorable toward pro-Yoon prosecutors," saying, "Worldly affairs are not that simplistic. They are generally very complex, and evaluations of people are especially so."

He explained, "While I cannot say he is a 100% perfect candidate, it does not appear that we should ignore the public recommendations, the independent recommendation committee's shortlisting to four candidates, and the proposal by the Minister of the Interior and Safety to deprive him of an opportunity for a National Assembly confirmation hearing."

He also added, "He is judged to be the best candidate among the four shortlisted by the recommendation committee. Furthermore, considering the results of long-term additional vetting, it is not appropriate to request a renomination."

President Lee stated, "A final decision on whether to make the appointment will be made after first going through the National Assembly confirmation hearing."

He continued, "The president does not appoint officials arbitrarily, but follows complex and strict procedures and requirements pursuant to the law, including public recommendations, the committee's shortlisting to four candidates, the proposal by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and a National Assembly hearing. Why not watch the outcome of the hearing together?"

(Photo: Yonhap News)