Kang Hoonshik: "Government and Presidential Office Appointments Are Transparent" ... "Separate Organization to Be Launched for Rebellion Accountability"

When asked about a "real power broker" in appointments,
"I cannot agree at all... I am the chair of the personnel committee"
"Difficult to deny that the rebellion may have occurred on a broader scale"

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik emphasized that all personnel appointments are being carried out transparently and democratically in relation to various personnel issues. He also stated that the administration is considering establishing a separate organization to investigate incidents related to the December 3 Martial Law and to hold those responsible for administrative actions during the previous government accountable.

Yonhap News

On November 6, during a National Assembly Steering Committee audit, Kang appeared and responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Gipyo, who asked, "What do you think about claims that a particular individual is wielding real power in government and the presidential office?" Kang replied, "I cannot agree with that at all," and explained that, as the chair of the personnel committee, he ensures that appointments are conducted transparently and democratically.

In addition, Kang said that the administration is considering launching a separate organization to investigate events that took place during the December 3 Martial Law. In response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Youngbae, who said, "It is necessary to investigate the roles of all government officials during the rebellion," Kang replied, "I agree," adding, "The special investigation into the rebellion has been very narrowly focused on key issues, and it is difficult to deny that much more may have happened on a broader scale." He continued, "If a separate organization is deemed necessary soon, we will consider establishing one."

Regarding allegations that former President Yoon Sukyeol's wife, Kim Keonhee, entered cultural heritage sites off-limits to civilians at her own discretion, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Junhyeok urged for a detailed investigation and report. In response, Kang said, "We will thoroughly investigate and report on the incident in which Ms. Kim entered state storage facilities or major cultural assets without authorization and provoked public outrage."

However, Kang added, "When I first arrived at the presidential office, many records had already been deleted," and continued, "There are many issues from the previous administration that we would like to clarify in detail, but I ask for your understanding regarding the fact that everything had already been erased."

There were also criticisms from the opposition regarding the Lee Jaemyung administration's allegedly inadequate response to the fire at the National Information Resources Service. Kang responded, "The president, the prime minister, and the minister of the interior and safety all held emergency review meetings and followed the established protocols." Regarding the claim by People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jinwoo on Facebook about the so-called "lost 48 hours," Kang said, "I deeply regret that claim. It is completely untrue."