Park Jiwon on Kang Sunwoo's Resignation: "Even a Blacksmith Strikes While the Iron Is Hot"

Kang Sunwoo: Decisions on Appointment or Withdrawal Should Have Been Made Quickly
"Personnel Vetting Is Indeed Flawed," Criticizes Park Jiwon

Park Jiwon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the resignation of Kang Sunwoo from her nomination as Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stating, "If President Lee Jaemyung decided to withdraw the nomination for Minister of Education but proceed with the appointment of Kang, then that decision should have been followed through." On the 24th, during an interview on CBS Radio's Kim Hyunjung's News Show, Park said, "It is better for a leader to make ruthless decisions swiftly and decisively, but this time, it was regrettably delayed." However, he clarified, "I am not opposed to Kang's resignation," but pointed out that the timing was too late.

Park Jiwon, Democratic Party of Korea member. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

When the host countered, saying, 'You seem to believe the will of the people should be followed, yet also that the appointment should have gone ahead, which seems contradictory,' Park responded, "While decisions should be made carefully, once a decision is made, wavering is even worse." He emphasized, "For President Lee Jaemyung's success, decisions must be made prudently. Once a decision is made, it should not be constantly overturned." He continued, "If a resignation or withdrawal of nomination was to happen, it should have been done quickly. Even a blacksmith must strike while the iron is hot; striking after it has cooled is pointless."

Park also revealed that he had spoken with Kang by phone the previous day. He said, "She is a devout Christian and told me she would show a spirit of reflection. She said she would pray at church and use this as an opportunity to turn misfortune into blessing, returning as a diligent member of the National Assembly who works even harder for the people and her constituents in Gangseo-gu." Regarding predictions that her political career may remain difficult due to her resignation over allegations of abuse of power, Park said, "Everyone faces setbacks in life and politics," and added, "But I conveyed to her the words of President Kim Daejung, that one must use such moments as opportunities to move forward, not to give up and collapse."

Kang Sunwoo, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Additionally, when asked about the growing controversy over the presidential office's inadequate personnel vetting, Park said, "Now that it has been a month since the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, there is no need to blame the absence of a transition committee." He acknowledged, "It is true that our vetting process is flawed." Regarding Choi Dongseok, head of the Ministry of Personnel Management, he added, "He should sincerely apologize to the public," and "This issue needs to be addressed."