'Kim Minseok and Lee Hanju Allegations' President Lee: "They Can Be Sufficiently Explained"

On the Three Special Prosecutors:
"Never Met Them...
Selecting Qualified and Neutral Candidates Is Key"

President Lee Jaemyung stated that the political funding allegations surrounding Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok are matters that can be sufficiently explained during the confirmation hearing process.

On June 16 (local time), President Lee made these remarks during a press briefing aboard the presidential aircraft en route to Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit, in response to a question about his thoughts on the personal issues that have arisen concerning both Prime Minister nominee Kim and National Policy Planning Committee Chairperson Lee Hanju.

Yonhap News

President Lee said, "I asked (nominee Kim) himself, and he said these are merely allegations that can be fully explained." Regarding the allegations surrounding Chairperson Lee Hanju, he added, "Chairperson Lee is not a public official but is serving as a volunteer," and continued, "However, since this role also has the nature of a public office, verification is inevitable." He further stated, "I believe this matter as well can be sufficiently explained by Chairperson Lee."

Additionally, regarding the launch of the three major special prosecutors?on insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and the death in the Marine Corps?President Lee said, "I have never met any of the three special prosecutors," and explained, "I only remember Cho Eunseok because, while I was serving as mayor of Seongnam, he was a public security prosecutor, but there is no special connection." He went on to say, "I do not have any special personal information about these matters, so I am trying to listen as much as possible to those around me," and added, "Rather than prioritizing speed, I am doing my best to select someone who is neutral, competent, and suitable for the position."

However, President Lee emphasized, "What does it matter whether I personally know someone or have some kind of relationship with them? It may seem beneficial for a moment, but it generally leads to bad outcomes and does not help approval ratings."