On September 19, following the resignation of Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister, opposition lawmakers emphasized the need for investigations into the allegations surrounding him, calling it a case of 'too little, too late.' Kim was one of six ministerial nominees appointed by President Lee Jae-myung, and his resignation has raised questions about the presidential personnel system.
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook after Kim's resignation announcement, "The minister's time is over, and the time for investigation has begun," stressing the need for thorough investigations into stock manipulation, human experimentation, and family connections.
Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik remarked, "Kim, who was at the forefront of President Lee's prosecution cancellation, resigning is indeed too little, too late," and insisted that investigations into Kim's alleged involvement in stock manipulation should continue regardless of his resignation.
He urged President Lee to reflect on the issues within the personnel verification process, particularly following the resignations of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family and the Justice Minister, and to completely overhaul the personnel system.
Party spokesperson Park Seong-hoon criticized Kim for treating his corruption allegations as merely a 'small burden' on the administration, stating, "His hypocritical attitude, focused solely on President Lee and his strong supporters while ignoring the public, reveals the true face of this administration."
Representative Jo Jeong-hoon referenced President Lee's strong criticism of personnel failures during his time as opposition leader, noting that when Jeong Soon-shin, the former head of the National Investigation Agency, resigned just a day after his appointment in 2023, President Lee demanded an apology and accountability from those responsible for personnel verification. Jo asserted that the standards for accountability should not change with the change of administration and that the president must uphold the same standards he demanded while in opposition.
Han Dong-hoon, an independent lawmaker who had raised allegations regarding Kim's involvement in drug solicitation, declared on Facebook after Kim's resignation that "the people have won." He stated that the resignation, which was strongly defended by the Democratic Party, represents a victory for the public. Han is expected to hold a press conference later in the day to provide further comments.
Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Party, particularly those on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee who oversaw Kim's confirmation hearing, expressed respect for his decision.
Committee chair Seo Young-kyo stated, "Kim voluntarily resigned after much consideration for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and national stability. It is unfortunate, but we respect that decision," adding that the truth behind the allegations of manipulation and targeted investigations will be revealed, and that reform in the prosecution will continue.
Kim Ui-gyeom, the party's floor leader, emphasized, "I will uncover the truth behind the illegal leak of investigation records and targeted investigations as the committee's floor leader," insisting that reform must not come to a halt in the political prosecutor's cabinet.
Park Seong-jun, the party's spokesperson, stated in a written briefing, "We respect Kim's decision not to add further burden to the administration, and the Democratic Party will strive to listen humbly and do its best for the success of the people's sovereignty government."
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook after Kim's resignation announcement, "The minister's time is over, and the time for investigation has begun," stressing the need for thorough investigations into stock manipulation, human experimentation, and family connections.
Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik remarked, "Kim, who was at the forefront of President Lee's prosecution cancellation, resigning is indeed too little, too late," and insisted that investigations into Kim's alleged involvement in stock manipulation should continue regardless of his resignation.
He urged President Lee to reflect on the issues within the personnel verification process, particularly following the resignations of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family and the Justice Minister, and to completely overhaul the personnel system.
Party spokesperson Park Seong-hoon criticized Kim for treating his corruption allegations as merely a 'small burden' on the administration, stating, "His hypocritical attitude, focused solely on President Lee and his strong supporters while ignoring the public, reveals the true face of this administration."
Representative Jo Jeong-hoon referenced President Lee's strong criticism of personnel failures during his time as opposition leader, noting that when Jeong Soon-shin, the former head of the National Investigation Agency, resigned just a day after his appointment in 2023, President Lee demanded an apology and accountability from those responsible for personnel verification. Jo asserted that the standards for accountability should not change with the change of administration and that the president must uphold the same standards he demanded while in opposition.
Han Dong-hoon, an independent lawmaker who had raised allegations regarding Kim's involvement in drug solicitation, declared on Facebook after Kim's resignation that "the people have won." He stated that the resignation, which was strongly defended by the Democratic Party, represents a victory for the public. Han is expected to hold a press conference later in the day to provide further comments.
Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Party, particularly those on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee who oversaw Kim's confirmation hearing, expressed respect for his decision.
Committee chair Seo Young-kyo stated, "Kim voluntarily resigned after much consideration for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and national stability. It is unfortunate, but we respect that decision," adding that the truth behind the allegations of manipulation and targeted investigations will be revealed, and that reform in the prosecution will continue.
Kim Ui-gyeom, the party's floor leader, emphasized, "I will uncover the truth behind the illegal leak of investigation records and targeted investigations as the committee's floor leader," insisting that reform must not come to a halt in the political prosecutor's cabinet.
Park Seong-jun, the party's spokesperson, stated in a written briefing, "We respect Kim's decision not to add further burden to the administration, and the Democratic Party will strive to listen humbly and do its best for the success of the people's sovereignty government."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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