Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on September 21 that Kang Hoon-sik's resignation as presidential chief of staff was "a natural response" and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Han Seong-sook. He also announced plans to summon Kim Hyun-ji, the head of the Presidential Office's first secretariat, and Jeong Jin-sang, the former head of the Democratic Party's policy coordination office, as witnesses for the upcoming National Assembly audit.
During an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly, Jung emphasized that Kang, as the head of the personnel committee responsible for overseeing ministerial appointments, bears the greatest responsibility for the failure in personnel verification.
He demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Han, who recommended the ministerial candidates, and accountability for the personnel secretary and civil affairs secretary at the Blue House, who are responsible for personnel recommendations and verification.
Jung further stated, "Kang's resignation should not serve as a cover to conceal the responsibilities of the 'Seongnam line' of behind-the-scenes power brokers," and insisted that Kim and Jeong must testify at the National Assembly to verify the allegations of personnel manipulation.
He also directed criticism at President Lee Jae-myung, saying, "In an attempt to divert attention from negative public opinion, he failed to execute a cabinet reshuffle," and added, "Only a complete overhaul of the government's policies on the economy and security can overcome this crisis. I hope to see appointments that demonstrate a shift in governance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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