Hearings to proceed: Cheong Wa Dae said justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won and gender equality minister nominee Yong Hye-in should face National Assembly confirmation hearings despite mounting controversy.
Vetting under fire: The presidential office acknowledged concerns over how the nominees were screened and pledged to strengthen its personnel vetting system to meet public expectations.
Yong seat dispute: Yong faces criticism for planning to retain her proportional-representation Assembly seat if appointed, breaking with the customary practice of stepping down after joining the Cabinet.
Party ties questioned: Scrutiny has also focused on Yong’s husband, Park Ki-hong, who has held senior Basic Income Party roles and received about 3 million won a month as a party official.
Kim case revived: Kim is again under scrutiny over allegations that he helped relay a biotech company’s request to expedite approval for a COVID-19 clinical trial in 2021; police have now opened an investigation.
Cheong Wa Dae denial: The presidential office rejected a report that Democratic Party leaders had asked for Yong’s withdrawal, saying no such request was made.
Ratings take hit: President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating fell to 37.4 percent, its lowest since his June 2025 inauguration, with Realmeter citing nominee controversies as a major factor.
dagyumji@heraldcorp.com
