Dispute Between Presidential Office and Opposition Over Kim Hyunji's Attendance at Parliamentary Audit
Woo Sangho in Media Interview: "Claims of Non-Attendance Are Baseless, She Will Attend 100%"
On Controversy Surrounding Chief Judge Ji Guyon: "We Are Closely Monitoring the Situation"
A dispute continues between the presidential office and opposition parties over whether Kim Hyunji, the First Secretary to President Lee Jaemyung and his closest aide, will appear before the National Assembly for a parliamentary audit. The presidential office has officially conveyed Kim's position that she will comply with whatever the National Assembly decides, but the opposition continues to raise suspicions that the recent personnel changes in the presidential office are being used as a pretext to avoid her appearance before the Assembly.
On October 1, presidential spokesperson Kim Namjun stated in a briefing regarding Kim's attendance at the audit, "She has made it clear that she will comply 100% with whatever the National Assembly decides," adding, "There has been no change in that position."
The dispute intensified after the presidential office reassigned Kim from Chief Administrative Secretary to her current position on September 29. The opposition claims that the presidential office took preemptive defensive action by moving her from the Chief Administrative Secretary role, which is subject to the audit, to the secretary position. In response, the presidential office has repeatedly drawn a clear line, stating that the recent personnel changes are unrelated to the audit.
On the same day, Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, also stated in a media interview that Kim Hyunji would attend the National Assembly. Woo said, "The opposition's claim that she will not attend is completely unfounded," and emphasized, "She will attend 100%."
With attention focused on Kim Hyunji, even her every move is drawing interest. Spokesperson Kim explained that Kim did not accompany President Lee to the Armed Forces Day event that day, stating, "She could not be on site due to a heavy workload during the handover period," and added, "There is no rule that the secretary must be on site every time. It is important to operate flexibly and with discretion."
Kim further referenced his own experience serving as First Secretary before being appointed spokesperson, saying, "I also did not attend every event, but only those I deemed necessary."
Meanwhile, spokesperson Kim was asked about various issues, including suspicions surrounding Chief Judge Ji Guyon, who is presiding over the sedition case against former President Yoon Sukyeol, a case of drinking during work hours involving a chief judge at the Jeju District Court, and allegations of preferential treatment during former President Yoon's imprisonment. He replied, "It is not appropriate to comment on each individual case," but added that he is closely monitoring the situations.
He continued, "We are observing cases where discipline among public officials has weakened," and added, "We also recognize that most public officials are diligent and hardworking, and I believe their personal information should also be properly managed."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
