Joo Jinwoo: "Pushing Ahead with Kang Sunwoo's Appointment? Gapjil Is a Habit, Never a One-Time Thing"

Presidential Office: "No detailed explanation from President Lee"
"We hope the public will understand"
Joo Jinwoo: "The closer to the president and first lady, the more lax the vetting"

Joo Jinwoo, People Power Party member. Joo Jinwoo Facebook

Joo Jinwoo, a member of the People Power Party, stated, "The decision to withdraw only the nomination of Lee Jinsook, the Minister of Education nominee, means that the appointment of Kang Sunwoo will be pushed through." On the 20th, through his Facebook page, Joo said, "Does having a close relationship with the president and first lady allow one to easily overcome the public's hurdles?"

Joo further commented, "Public office does not belong to those in power, and salaries are paid by the people. The president's decision to withdraw only Lee Jinsook's nomination means that he intends to push ahead with the appointment of Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. The scene where Kang prepared the president's bedding and embraced First Lady Kim Hye-kyung symbolically demonstrates their close relationship."

He added, "Kang Sunwoo failed to overcome the public's hurdle due to being a 'professional gapjil perpetrator.' If the appointment is forced through, the personnel verification system will become a mess. The closer someone is to the president and first lady, the more lax the vetting becomes. The phrase 'lawmakers are undefeated' should no longer exist."

Lastly, Joo mentioned that former Minister Cho Kuk resigned 35 days after being forcibly appointed, adding, "Revelations of Kang Sunwoo's gapjil will also continue. Gapjil is a habit, not a one-time occurrence."

An official from the presidential office, regarding the reason for pushing ahead with Kang Sunwoo's appointment, said, "The president did not provide a detailed explanation of the background." The official continued, "We are well aware that there were various opinions, but as the person with the authority over appointments, the president made a comprehensive decision. We hope the public will understand this."