Kim In-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Nominee, Voluntarily Withdraws "All My Fault"

First Case of Ministerial Candidate Rejection in Yoon Administration

Kim In-cheol, the candidate for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Educational Facilities Safety Institute in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 14th, responding to questions from the press. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Kim In-cheol, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education nominee who has been under suspicion of preferential treatment regarding the Fulbright scholarship, voluntarily resigned on the 3rd.

At 9:30 a.m. that day, Kim held a press conference at the Education Facilities Safety Institute in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I am resigning from the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education nominee."

Kim said, "I wanted to give back the benefits I received from the country and society through my final service, but I was greatly lacking. I will not offer any explanations. It is all my fault and mistake."

He added, "I have no words to express my apologies to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, who trusted me and entrusted me with this important responsibility. I will support the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration from afar. Once again, I apologize and ask for the understanding of the people."

With Kim's voluntary resignation, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has experienced its first ministerial nominee withdrawal.

Kim, along with his wife and children, all received Fulbright scholarships. At the time his children received the scholarships, he served as the alumni association president and was accused of using 'dad's chance.' Additionally, allegations were raised regarding misuse of corporate cards during his tenure as university president and self-approval of outside director appointments.