"Criticism of Conflict of Interest Unavoidable"
On July 13, the People Power Party criticized President Lee Jaemyung's appointment of lawyer Cho Woncheol as the new head of the Ministry of Government Legislation, calling it a "judicial shield and reward appointment."
Lawyer Cho previously served as defense counsel for President Lee in cases related to allegations of corruption in the Wirye, Daejang-dong, and Baekhyeon-dong development projects.
Park Minyoung, spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary that "following the consecutive appointments of lawyers Lee Taehyung, Jeon Chiyoung, and Lee Janghyung?who handled President Lee's cases?to the Office of Civil Affairs, the administration has now made a vice-ministerial appointment as well." Park argued, "It is difficult to avoid criticism of both a conflict of interest and a reward appointment."
Song Unseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News
Spokesperson Park also pointed out, "The head of the Ministry of Government Legislation is one of the most critical positions responsible for the government's official legal interpretations," and questioned, "Is it reasonable for a lawyer who defended the president against criminal allegations to now serve as the government's chief legal officer, a role that requires value-neutrality?"
Park further emphasized, "Was President Lee's ambition to evaluate solely based on ability and competence nothing more than rhetorical window dressing?" and added, "The Lee Jaemyung administration should appoint talent who will serve the nation and its people?not the president as an individual?so as to earn the public's recognition."
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