Kim Seung-won’s “Petition Alleging Sexual Harassment and Other Additional Allegations”... Cheong Wa Dae: “Difficult to Confirm”

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae said on the 19th that it was difficult to confirm media reports that a petition containing allegations of sexual harassment and other matters involving Kim Seung-won, the former nominee for Minister of Justice, had recently been delivered to Cheong Wa Dae in connection with his voluntary resignation.
A Cheong Wa Dae official made the remark that day in response to a question about whether the report was true.
Earlier that day, Kim Seung-won held a press conference at the National Assembly and voluntarily resigned, saying, "I deeply accept that I failed to meet the public’s expectations, and I will deeply reflect on my shortcomings."
Kim Seung-won’s voluntary resignation came 20 days after President Lee Jae Myung nominated him as minister of justice.
However, additional allegations against the former nominee have emerged in some political circles.
After his resignation news conference, Kim Seung-won did not answer media questions such as, "Did you resign because new issues were raised this time?" and "Are there any other allegations besides those already raised?"
In connection with the matter, the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) reported that former aides to Kim Seung-won had delivered a petition to Cheong Wa Dae on the 17th through Hong Ik-pyo, then Cheong Wa Dae’s senior secretary for political affairs, and others. The petition reportedly included allegations concerning Kim’s past sexual harassment, the process of suppressing those allegations, additional drunk-driving incidents, and other improper solicitations.
Meanwhile, following Kim Seung-won’s voluntary resignation, Cheong Wa Dae said, "We respect the nominee’s decision. We understand that the nominee made the decision in an effort to reduce the burden on state affairs," adding, "Follow-up procedures will proceed in accordance with established regulations."
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter