"Lee Jae-myung Does It Again"?…Will Kim Seung-won and Yong Hye-in Nominations Be Forced Through?
Attention is focused on whether Cheong Wa Dae will ultimately maintain the nominations of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won and Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in, both of whom face various personal background and qualification controversies, following a major cabinet reshuffle announcement.
Cheong Wa Dae announced the cabinet reshuffle including the two nominees on the 30th of last month, describing it as "merit-based personnel appointments" considering expertise and execution capability. Even after controversies have spread, the office has maintained its stance that candidates should be given an opportunity to clarify allegations at the National Assembly confirmation hearing. As no mention has been made thus far of withdrawing nominations, the prevailing sentiment appears to be that the confirmation process will proceed.
Cheong Wa Dae evaluated nominee Kim, a former judge, as the right person to push forward with reforms to the criminal justice system based on his experience as secretary of the National Assembly Legislative and Judicial Committee. Regarding nominee Yong, it described her as an exceptional appointment transcending party affiliation—a 30-something working mother and two-term lawmaker who can reflect realistic voices on gender equality and family policies.
However, controversies surrounding the two nominees have not subsided since their nomination.
Nominee Kim faces allegations including solicitation for clinical trial authorization of a COVID-19 treatment in 2021, a history of pursuing the dismissal of charges in President Lee Jae-myung's case, and experience defending sexual crime cases. The Democratic Party Gyeonggi Province branch slush fund allegations have been raised, and it was newly revealed that he was fined 700,000 won for drunk driving in July 2008, five months after retiring from the bench.
Controversies surrounding nominee Yong include retaining her proportional representative parliament seat, her spouse's key positions in the Basic Income Party, past involvement in youth organizations and so-called "underground organizations," use of the VIP lounge at Gimpo Airport during family travel, and fundraising for honeymoon expenses. In particular, opposition has emerged not only from the opposition party but also from the ruling coalition regarding the possibility of retaining her parliamentary seat even after her appointment as minister.
Subtle shifts in sentiment are also being detected within Democratic Party leadership. Party leader Kim Min-seok said on the 3rd regarding nominee Yong's issue, "I am hearing many concerns and criticisms and thinking deeply," adding "It is a matter of judgment regarding facts already exposed." This is interpreted as signaling an intent to observe public opinion rather than actively defend her. In contrast, the party leader has taken no particular position on allegations raised against nominee Kim.
Controversy over responsibility for personnel vetting has become unavoidable. If Cheong Wa Dae failed to identify the political activities and past controversies surrounding the two nominees, it will be difficult to avoid criticism of inadequate vetting. If the office knowingly pressed ahead with the nominations despite evaluating policy implementation capacity and political symbolism more highly, the Lee Jae-myung administration's personnel standards could come under scrutiny. It must also be clarified at what point and through what channels Cheong Wa Dae identified newly raised allegations after the nomination.
If Cheong Wa Dae selected the two nominees while bearing anticipated controversies, there is a high possibility that its will to appoint them will not easily falter. However, if facts contradicting existing clarifications are confirmed at the confirmation hearing or if opposition within the ruling coalition spreads, the political burden of maintaining the nominations is expected to grow.
전시언 기자 yourside@news-s.kr