Presidential Office: "Kim Hyunji Allegations Are a Frame That Wouldn't Have Worked Even During the Fifth Republic... Not Even Enough Effort in the Lies"

Kim Hyunji, Chief of the First Office, listens to President Lee Jae-myung's remarks at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

The presidential office has criticized the so-called "far-left group involvement allegations" against Chief of the First Office Kim Hyunji, calling it "a frame that would not have worked even during the Fifth Republic." Regarding her attendance at the National Assembly audit, the office reiterated its previous stance that "she will appear if requested by the National Assembly."

On the afternoon of October 14, presidential spokesperson Kim Namjun addressed the allegations raised by Assemblyman Park Junghoon of the People Power Party at a briefing held at the Yongsan Presidential Office. Kim described the allegations against Chief Kim as "a kind of pro-North Korea witch hunt." He said, "This is a frame that would not have worked even during the Fifth Republic," adding, "Even when lying, some effort is required, but I feel that even that level of effort is lacking here."

Earlier that day, Assemblyman Park held a press conference at the National Assembly, targeting Chief Kim by claiming she is "connected to the Gyeonggi Eastern Alliance, a group of Kim Il-sung followers." Park also stated, "President Lee Jae-myung won the 2010 local elections by uniting with former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Kim Mihui," and added, "Since then, questions have continued to be raised about what kind of relationship President Lee has with the Gyeonggi Eastern Alliance."

Meanwhile, regarding whether Chief Kim will attend the National Assembly audit, spokesperson Kim stated, "We will follow the decision of the National Assembly," and asserted, "If it is decided that she should attend, of course she will. There is no change in that position."