Kim Seung-won Appointment 'Stalls'…Speculation Over Non-appointment, Resignation Grows

Despite the confirmation hearing report for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won being adopted, no appointment decision has been made, prompting speculation in political circles about the possibility of non-appointment or voluntary resignation.

According to political circles on the 19th, President Lee Jae-myung stated at a press conference the previous day that regarding the appointment of nominee Kim, "I have not yet reached a final conclusion" and "I am watching various controversies arising in the process of public verification."

He continued, "Considering the many matters and points raised in that process, as well as capability and public expectations, I will make a prudent decision."

When the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee adopted nominee Kim's confirmation hearing report on the 17th under Democratic Party leadership, expectations arose that the appointment process would proceed promptly. However, the atmosphere shifted as President Lee postponed the decision just one day later.

Former Democratic Party floor leader Lee Dong-hak also interpreted President Lee's statement on CBS Radio that day as leaving room for the possibility of not appointing nominee Kim. The opposition is demanding withdrawal of the appointment.

The burden surrounding nominee Kim involves both personal and family allegations compounded by political controversy.

Nominee Kim has faced allegations of conveying complaints to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding the approval process for Genencell's COVID-19 therapeutic clinical trial. Allegations of favoritism have also been raised regarding the selection process for Suwon City developmental disability service providers by the social cooperative operated by his spouse. Nominee Kim's side denies all related allegations.

Added to this is the issue of 'dismissal of charges' intertwined with President Lee's criminal trial, which is also cited as a burden.

Nominee Kim had been active in a lawmakers' group advocating for dismissal of charges in President Lee's case, and political neutrality concerns have persisted since his designation as Justice Minister nominee.

President Lee requested the previous day to delete the existing charge transfer and disposition clauses from the special prosecution law on fabricated charges, or the so-called dismissal of charges clause. However, he did not specify his position on how the existing trial should be handled going forward.

Accordingly, there is analysis that appointing nominee Kim, who has led the discussion on dismissal of charges, could result in related controversies continuing, which may serve as a political burden.

Prolonged verification is also a variable. Some in political circles observe that as the appointment decision is delayed, there is a possibility that new facts or additional allegations not confirmed during the confirmation process may be raised, which could become a burden.

As President Lee directly mentioned "public expectations" even after the confirmation report adoption and postponed his decision, whether nominee Kim will await appointment or settle his own position independently is emerging as a variable in personnel affairs politics.