[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the 4th regarding the status of Kim Seung-hee, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, who is under investigation by the prosecution for violating the Political Funds Act, "We are different from the Moon Jae-in administration. We intend to make a swift decision regardless of approval or disapproval."
On the morning of the same day, President Yoon, while heading to the Yongsan Presidential Office, responded to reporters' questions about Kim's status by saying, "Ministerial nominees need to work."
President Yoon emphasized, "If I were to name the most required qualification for appointed public officials, it is that public officials ultimately handle issues related to the livelihood of the people and are responsible for the people's assets," adding, "Therefore, I believe expertise and capability in the assigned duties are the most important."
He continued, "I am confident that our government has selected people without any gaps in that regard," and said, "I don't think it is comparable to the previous administration."
President Yoon also said, "In terms of morality, when looking at the personnel pushed through by the previous administration, there is no comparison," but left room for discussion by adding, "However, our government is different. I will discuss with my aides and colleagues."
These remarks by President Yoon are interpreted as indicating that it will be difficult to appoint all three nominees, including Kim Seung-hee, Park Soon-ae, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, and Kim Seung-gyeom, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
For now, it appears that Kim Seung-gyeom will be appointed without a parliamentary confirmation hearing, and only Park Soon-ae, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, will be appointed later. Kim Seung-hee is expected to be forced out in the form of a voluntary resignation.
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