Kim Seung-won Appointment 'Put on Hold'…Speculation of Non-appointment and Voluntary Resignation

Despite the adoption of the confirmation report for Kim Seung-won, the candidate for Minister of Justice, no appointment decision has been made, prompting speculation in political circles about the possibility of non-appointment or voluntary resignation.

According to political sources on the 19th, President Lee Jae-myung said at a press conference the previous day that regarding whether to appoint Kim as minister, he "has not yet reached a final conclusion" and "is observing various controversies arising in the process of public scrutiny."

He added, "Taking into account the many issues and points raised in that process, as well as capabilities and the public's expectations, I will decide carefully."

When the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee adopted Kim's confirmation report on the 17th, led by the Democratic Party, observations suggested that the appointment process would follow immediately. However, with President Lee postponing his decision just one day later, the atmosphere has changed.

Lee Dong-hak, former Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, interpreted President Lee's remarks on CBS Radio that day to suggest he was "leaving room for the possibility of not appointing" Kim. The opposition is demanding that the appointment be withdrawn.

The burdens surrounding Kim stem from personal and family allegations compounded by political controversy.

Kim has faced allegations that he conveyed citizens' complaints to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding the approval process for Genencell's COVID-19 treatment clinical trials. Allegations of favoritism have also been raised in the selection process for a service provider for people with developmental disabilities in Suwon, operated by a social cooperative run by his spouse. Kim's side denies all related allegations.

Additionally, the issue of "nolle prosequi" linked to President Lee's criminal trial is also mentioned as a burden.

Kim has been active in a parliamentary group that has advocated for a nolle prosequi in President Lee's case, and political neutrality concerns have persisted since his nomination as Minister of Justice.

President Lee requested the previous day that provisions regarding transfer and disposition of existing indictments included in the special investigation law on manipulated indictments—specifically the nolle prosequi clause—be removed. However, he did not elaborate on his specific position regarding the future handling of the existing trial.

This has led to analysis that appointing Kim, who has led discussions on nolle prosequi, could perpetuate related controversies, which may also serve as a political burden.

Prolonged verification is also a variable. Some in political circles suggest that as the appointment decision is delayed, there is a risk that new factual circumstances or additional allegations not confirmed during the hearing process may be raised, which could become a burden.

Since President Lee has personally delayed his decision by invoking "the public's expectations" even after the confirmation report was adopted, whether Kim will await the appointment or take the matter into his own hands is also emerging as a variable in the personnel reshuffle.