Ministerial Nominees for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Announced on the 11th
All 19 Ministries Now Have Nominees
President Lee: "Let's consider it a bit more"
Chief Secretary Kang: "The absence of a transition committee was truly difficult"
Chief Secretary Kang: "I hope people will focus more on the strengths of the nominees"
Remarks Seemingly Addressing Suspicions Surrounding Kang Sunwoo and Lee Jinsook
Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik shared his thoughts after concluding the formation of the first cabinet under the Lee Jaemyung administration, candidly remarking, "The President's standards are extremely high." On July 11, President Lee finalized the nomination of ministers for all 19 ministries, ending with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This was accomplished just 73 days after his inauguration.
On July 12, Kang wrote on his Facebook page that, now that the recommendations for the new government's first cabinet were complete, he could finally speak openly. He commented, "The President's standards are extremely high. Of course, they should be." He added, "Even after considering and reviewing countless factors, whenever the response came back, 'Let's think about it a bit more,' I felt the absence of a transition committee all the more keenly."
Kang also shared some anecdotes from the selection process. He wrote, "There were times when we immediately found someone who seemed to be the perfect fit, and there were moments when I sighed, doubting such a person existed, only to be genuinely surprised when we actually found them." He described the nominees as "individuals I recommended with a pounding heart."
He also made remarks that seemed to acknowledge the various suspicions surrounding Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and Lee Jinsook, the nominee for Minister of Education.
Kang stated, "Each news article makes my heart race with anxiety," and continued, "It feels as if all the blame lies with us, and I spent many sleepless nights wondering if we had been too insensitive. Now, all that remains is the judgment of the public." He went on to say, "I also dare to hope that people will focus a bit more on the many outstanding qualities the nominees possess."
Kang further said, "I await every confirmation hearing with a trembling heart," and asked, "Please watch closely to see whether each nominee is truly capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of their respective ministries." He concluded, "If, through this process, we can share in the public's trust in the President's discernment, nothing would be more gratifying."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
