Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae made her opposition clear on October 13 regarding the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, stating, "He is not only a pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) prosecutor, but also unfit for that position as a public official."

Governor Choo gave this response to a related question from Representative Kwon Young-jin of the People Power Party during the parliamentary audit of Gyeonggi Province by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, which continued that afternoon.

Regarding her promotion of candidate Kim to chief prosecutor during her tenure as Justice Minister, she said, "The Moon Jae-in administration appointed Yoon Suk Yeol as prosecutor general, but it ended in an insurrection," adding, "Promoting someone does not mean endorsing the entirety of that person."

She continued, "It is true that I have consistently spoken out regarding candidate Kim. Based on my experience in public office, I have stated precisely, citing grounds and examples, that he is extremely unfit to be the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency," explaining, "If someone who knows that stays silent, it would be a historical mistake. I spoke out for the country based on my conscience and sense of responsibility."

Governor Choo added, "With a sense of public duty, what needs to be done is to thoroughly verify (at the confirmation hearing scheduled for October 14) the points I raised as grounds."

In response to criticism that she is clashing with the president and engaging in Yeouido politics, Governor Choo countered, "If I were making a presidential bid, I would rather conceal the fiscal situation, take on debt, and curry favor with provincial residents whether they bear the burden of taxpayers' money or not, which would draw applause," adding, "In good conscience and legally, I cannot do that."

Earlier that morning, when People Power Party Representatives Park Sang-woong and Seo Myung-ok demanded her stance on nominee Kim's appointment, Governor Choo had stated, "It is not appropriate to answer during a parliamentary audit." However, when Representative Kwon Young-jin again urged her to express her position in the first question of the afternoon, she reaffirmed her past opposition.

(Photo: Yonhap News)