Withdrawal of Lee Jinsook, Push Forward with Kang Sunwoo
Symbolism of a Difficult Sacrifice and Response to Public Demands
Concerns Over Multiple Withdrawals Impacting State Affairs
Controversy Surrounding Candidate Kang Remains
President Lee Jaemyung is attempting to resolve the first-term Cabinet appointment issues by withdrawing the nomination of Education Minister candidate Lee Jinsook. However, controversy continues to surround Kang Sunwoo, the candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. The decision to withdraw the nomination, rather than accepting a voluntary resignation, could increase the President's political burden. By emphasizing the symbolism of a decisive and difficult choice, President Lee appears to be responding to demands from the opposition and public opinion.
Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, held a briefing on the 20th and explained, "President Lee has been listening to various opinions and deliberating deeply. On the 19th, he met with Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, and Song Eonseok, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, to hear a range of views."
When Lee Jinsook was nominated, she drew expectations for education reform due to her background as the first female president of a regional national university and her role as chair of the 'Committee for Establishing Ten Seoul National Universities.' However, various allegations that surfaced before and after her confirmation hearing led to public criticism. Accusations of plagiarism in her academic papers and issues regarding her child's overseas studies prompted not only the opposition but also some members of the ruling party and progressive groups such as the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union to demand her resignation, intensifying the pressure. During the confirmation hearing on the 16th, she failed to adequately answer questions on issues such as the NEIS (National Education Information System) and the integration of early childhood education and care, raising further doubts about her qualifications.
It is reported that President Lee deliberated until the last moment over whether to withdraw the nomination. The main reason for the withdrawal was concern that retaining the most controversial candidate would become a burden on state affairs. According to the presidential office, the withdrawal also reflected Lee Jinsook's own wishes. When asked whether Kang Sunwoo would be appointed, Woo stated, "Yes," and clarified, "Among the 11 candidates who have not yet been appointed, only Lee Jinsook's nomination has been withdrawn."
The decision to proceed with Kang Sunwoo's appointment appears to have been influenced by her status as a sitting ruling party lawmaker. In the first-term Cabinet, as many as eight ruling party lawmakers were appointed as ministers to ensure stable governance through close party-government cooperation. If Kang Sunwoo were to be dropped, it could undermine this personnel policy.
Observers within and outside the ruling party also noted that if multiple candidates were to be dropped, the political burden would increase. Delays in forming the new Cabinet could hinder the momentum needed at the start of the administration. By decisively withdrawing Lee Jinsook's nomination to accommodate opposition demands, the administration appears determined to push ahead with Kang Sunwoo's appointment to minimize vacancies and avoid disruptions to key policy initiatives. Political analysts also point out that the ruling party leadership requested President Lee to retain Kang Sunwoo, as they believed most allegations had been sufficiently addressed during the confirmation hearing.
However, the decision to retain Kang Sunwoo leaves room for continued political controversy. The opposition, currently regrouping, is focusing its criticism on this issue and intensifying its attacks on the administration. At an emergency party meeting in the National Assembly on the same day, floor leader Song Eonseok criticized, "The Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration have become a super-power-abusing regime."
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