Cheong Wa Dae on Kim Seung-won Controversy: "We Had No Obligation to Answer... We Responded Through Our Appointment Authority"

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae said on the 21st that it "has no responsibility or obligation to answer" additional controversies surrounding Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Seung-won, who withdrew from consideration as a candidate for justice minister.
Asked on KBS Radio's 'Jeongyeok Sisa' whether Cheong Wa Dae had received a petition containing allegations involving Kim, Kang Yoo-jung responded, "We responded through our appointment authority," and gave that as her answer.
Kang said, "Cheong Wa Dae is an institution that answers through its appointment authority and fulfills its responsibilities and obligations regarding that authority." She added, "Because there is no longer any appointment authority left concerning the candidate, anything else is gossip from Cheong Wa Dae's perspective."
However, regarding criticism that the personnel vetting system was inadequate, she said a review was underway to improve the vetting procedures. She also noted that responsibility for the appointment process lies not only with the president but also with the Personnel Committee and its chair.
Kang explained, "Nominations and appointments are made in the president's name, but before that, the Personnel Committee and its chair also bear responsibility, and the entire appointment process is conducted through this system."
Regarding the timing of the review, she said it had already begun when President Lee stated at a news conference on the 18th that he would examine areas needing improvement. She added that work to strengthen and reinforce the vetting process was underway, and that future nominees and appointees would serve as indicators of its results.
Regarding Kim Ji-yong, the first candidate to head the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, she said, "There has been a request for additional vetting, so we are carefully reviewing the matter," adding that it was difficult to give a definite timetable for his nomination.
On the issue of renominating a Supreme Court justice, she said, "The vacancy on the Supreme Court carries enormous weight, so we are waiting for an answer from the Supreme Court regarding the people's right to a trial," adding, "I assume that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Korea is considering various options."
In response to opposition criticism that President Lee's remarks at his news conference on the 18th regarding the withdrawal of prosecution were ambiguous, she countered that the administration had already stated its position that provisions concerning the withdrawal of prosecution involving the president should be excluded from the special prosecutor law. Kang stressed, "There is no need to say it twice or interpret it; the answer has already been given," adding, "The matter has been settled irreversibly."
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter