Cheong Wa Dae Says "Difficult to Confirm" Over Reports of Kim Seung-won's "Petition on Additional Allegations"

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae said on the 19th, in response to media reports that a petition containing allegations of sexual harassment and other claims against former Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won had recently been delivered to Cheong Wa Dae in connection with his voluntary resignation, "It is difficult to confirm matters related to personnel appointments."
A Cheong Wa Dae official gave the response that day when asked whether the report was true.
Earlier that day, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly and voluntarily resigned, saying, "I deeply acknowledge that I failed to meet the public's expectations and will deeply reflect on my shortcomings."
Kim's voluntary resignation came 20 days after President Lee Jae Myung nominated him for the post of Minister of Justice.
Some in political circles, however, have raised additional allegations against the former nominee.
The former nominee did not answer media questions after his resignation press conference, including, "Did you resign because new allegations emerged this time?" and "Are there any other allegations besides those already raised?"
KBS reported that former aides of Kim had delivered a petition to Cheong Wa Dae on the 17th through Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, and others. The petition reportedly contained allegations of Kim's past sexual harassment, the handling of efforts to suppress the allegations, additional drunk-driving allegations, and other influence-peddling allegations.
Meanwhile, after the former nominee's voluntary resignation, Cheong Wa Dae said, "We respect the nominee's decision. We understand that the nominee made the decision to reduce the burden on the administration," adding, "The subsequent procedures will be carried out in accordance with the established rules."
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter