Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik: "As Chair of the Personnel Committee... No Appointments Based on President's Close Associates or Influential Figures"

"Personnel Vetting Conducted According to Proper Procedures and Systems"
"Special Inspector Appointment Proceeding Slowly but Underway"

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik stated that, regarding the personnel verification system of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the Personnel Committee-which he chairs-is currently in operation, and that personnel vetting is being conducted in accordance with appropriate procedures and systems.

Yonhap News Agency

On August 19, Kang held a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan and made these remarks in response to a question about rumors circulating in political circles that close associates of President Lee are exerting influence over personnel appointments. Kang, smiling, commented that he often hears stories about close associates and influential figures, and added, "Every time I hear such things, I feel quite embarrassed. I am the chair of the Personnel Committee, so does that mean these things are happening while I am being bypassed?"

Kang further emphasized, "As chair of the Personnel Committee, I listen to the opinions of each senior secretary, take various factors into account, and make judgments according to due process while conducting personnel vetting," adding, "There are no appointments based on close associates or influential figures."

In addition, he announced that procedures are underway for the appointment of a special inspector, whose role is to monitor the president's relatives. Kang stated, "President Lee has said he will appoint a special inspector, and although it may be uncomfortable, we believe we must accept this." He added, "Having a disciplinary mechanism within our office allows us to be held accountable for any wrongdoing, and enables the presidential office to operate more transparently in line with its public function."

When asked whether the process is actually moving forward, he replied, "Progress has been slow, but it is not completely stalled," and added, "We are not avoiding or delaying the process beyond what the president has stated."