Former Blue House Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jo-won is attending the appointment ceremony of Yoon Jong-in as the Chairman of the Personal Information Protection Commission held at the Blue House on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Blue House Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jo-won, who was embroiled in controversy for listing his house at a price higher than the market value, has reportedly tendered his resignation and did not attend the senior secretaries and aides meeting presided over by the president. In response, Woo Won-shik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized on the 11th, saying, "I think he did not conduct himself properly."
On the same day, Representative Woo appeared on BBS Radio's "Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal" and said, "Running the country is more important, but if, as reported, he listed real estate at a higher price or felt dissatisfied with the policy for high-ranking officials to dispose of multiple homes, that is inappropriate. That is probably why he left," he said.
He added, "Social criticism of (former Secretary Kim) will grow. If the government has been lukewarm in its response, it should correct that and focus on real estate policies centered on legislative matters passed by the National Assembly to regain the trust of the people," he expressed his opinion.
Earlier, former Secretary Kim had listed one of his two apartments in the Gangnam area of Seoul at a price higher than the market value, which sparked controversy over whether he actually intended to sell it. He then withdrew the listing. Additionally, a Blue House official caused controversy by saying, "Men sometimes don't understand well," during the explanation process.
Afterward, Kim reportedly tendered his resignation on the 7th and left the Blue House.
According to media reports, former Secretary Kim did not attend the senior secretaries meeting presided over by President Moon Jae-in on the 10th.
At the meeting, the other five aides, including Chief Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung, Chief Secretary for Public Communication Yoon Do-han, Chief Secretary for Civil Society Kim Geo-seong, and Chief Secretary for Personnel Kim Oe-sook, who also tendered their resignations on the 7th along with former Secretary Kim, all attended the meeting.
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