Cheong Wa Dae stated that it is ‘difficult to confirm’ regarding additional suspicions surrounding former Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, including allegations of sexual harassment. Candidate Kim issued a statement, saying, “There is no fact that we received any contact from Cheong Wa Dae regarding the contents of the petition,” and “The rumors about the petition are either different from the facts or contain exaggerated errors.”
A source from Cheong Wa Dae stated in relation to reports that a petition written by former aides on August 31 was delivered to Cheong Wa Dae, “It is difficult to confirm matters related to personnel.”
This controversy erupted after the contents of a petition by former aides who worked with former nominee Kim became known.
KBS reported that on the same day, former aides drafted a petition demanding the withdrawal of the nomination for former nominee Kim, and that the document was delivered to Cheong Wa Dae through Hong Ik-pyo, Cheong Wa Dae’s Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, among others, on September 17.
The petition was reported to include allegations of former nominee Kim’s past sexual harassment and the alleged cover-up process, as well as additional instances of drunk driving, and verbal abuse and profanity directed at aides after drinking. It was also reported that the petition included claims of separate requests unrelated to the existing ‘new drug lobbying suspicions.’
In response, Candidate Kim issued a statement, saying, “Regarding the rumors about the background of the nominee’s resignation, the aides who were working at the time have clarified that they are different from the facts,” and “After confirming and reviewing the exact facts regarding the circumstances and content of the report, we will take necessary measures.” He added, “We ask that you pay attention to the related reports.”
Earlier, former nominee Kim announced his intention to resign at the National Assembly that morning. He stated, “I took the lead in the birth of the popular sovereignty government and worked tirelessly for its success,” and expressed regret to President Lee Jae Myung, saying, “I am sorry for failing to meet expectations.”
However, he said, “Even if I step down now, I will not give up on the truth. I will definitely complete the unfinished judicial reform,” and “I will reveal the full truth behind the targeted investigations by Yoon Suk-yeol·Han Dong-hoon, the political prosecutors, as well as Han Dong-hoon’s illegal leakage of investigation secrets and the patchwork scandal, until the end.” He added, “I believe this incident itself is a case that proves to the public the necessity of judicial reform.”
After the resignation announcement, Cheong Wa Dae expressed its intention to accept former nominee Kim’s decision in a separate statement. Kang Yu-jung, Cheong Wa Dae’s Senior Spokesperson, stated, “We respect the decision of Candidate Kim,” and “We understand that the candidate made this decision to reduce the burden on state affairs.”
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