Kim Boo-kyum: "Yoon Seok-yeol, Choi Jae-hyung and Other Current and Former Heads of Power Agencies Running for President Is Not a Normal Situation"

"A Position Demanding High Morality and Neutrality, Regrettably Not Upheld"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum attended the government questioning session on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 22nd, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum criticized the fact that former and current heads of power institutions are running as presidential candidates, saying it is "not a normal appearance."

On the 22nd, Prime Minister Kim responded this way during a government inspection session at the National Assembly, answering a question from Ki Dong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Rep. Ki pointed out, "There is growing public controversy over the phenomenon where heads of so-called power institutions, such as a former Prosecutor General who resigned not long ago and the current Auditor General, jump into the presidential race immediately after their terms end."

Prime Minister Kim said, "Considering the high level of morality and neutrality required for the two positions mentioned, I think this is not a normal appearance. One person (former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl) has already decided on his course and is being mentioned as a major candidate, so it is not appropriate to discuss further. The other person (Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung) is expected to announce his position soon, so I have nothing more to add."

He added, "The very purpose of guaranteeing their terms was to ensure morality and neutrality, so it is regrettable that those aspects were not upheld."