Avoided Escalating Political Burden
But Aftermath of Consecutive Nomination Failures Continues
Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, has resigned, leaving behind the dishonor of being the first sitting member of the National Assembly to withdraw from a ministerial nomination. As a result, it has become inevitable for the presidential office to reexamine its personnel vetting system. While President Lee Jaemyung managed to avoid a situation of escalating political burden, he could not escape the fallout from a series of failed nominations.
Previously, Oh Gwangsu, the first Chief Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, stepped down just four days after his appointment due to allegations of real estate held under borrowed names. Lee Jinsook, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, had her nomination withdrawn after controversies over plagiarism in her academic papers and her child’s illegal overseas studies. Kang Junwook, former Secretary for National Integration at the presidential office, voluntarily resigned after facing criticism for his past statements defending former President Yoon Sukyeol's emergency martial law and his advocacy of the colonial modernization theory. Although the administration was launched without a presidential transition committee, making it inherently limited, it is difficult to avoid criticism regarding the issue of inadequate personnel vetting.
The presidential office has belatedly acknowledged the need to overhaul its personnel vetting system. Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated, "Although we are conducting the vetting process thoroughly and rigorously, there are aspects we need to review in order to find nominees and appointees who meet the public's expectations through more diverse methods," adding, "We will approach this more cautiously and ensure greater rigor in the personnel procedures."
Kang's resignation is a variable that could affect not only her own political standing but also the ruling party's leadership race. The crisis management capabilities of the Democratic Party's floor leadership have also come under criticism.
Regarding Kang's resignation, Chung Cheongrae and Park Chandae, both candidates for party leader, showed contrasting responses. Chung said, "Comrades win together and lose together. When it rains, we should stand in the rain together," defending Kang. In contrast, Park stated, "It is difficult and painful, but a decision must be made," urging her resignation. Following Park's statement, Kang actually resigned.
There is a positive assessment that Park took on the role of the 'villain' to reduce the president's political burden. However, since there are also a considerable number of party members who hoped Kang would be protected, it remains to be seen how this will affect the party convention. In response to criticism about a lack of camaraderie, Park explained, "Someone has misunderstood my words," and added, "I made those remarks to help overcome the personnel difficulties faced by the Lee Jaemyung administration."
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