The ruling Democratic Party expressed respect on September 19 for Kim Seung-won's voluntary resignation as the nominee for Minister of Justice, calling it a "decision to alleviate the burden on the government."
At the same time, the party launched a counterattack against independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who has raised suspicions surrounding Kim, demanding an investigation into allegations of leaked investigation materials. The Justice Reform Party also joined the offensive, questioning how Han obtained the materials.
Park Sung-jun, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, stated in a written briefing, "The candidate's decision not to add to the burden on the government is respected, and we honor this difficult choice." He added, "The Democratic Party will listen with a lower and more humble attitude and do its best for the success of the people's sovereignty government."
Seo Young-kyo, chair of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, wrote on Facebook, "It is unfortunate, but I respect the decision." Park Ji-won, a member of the committee, also expressed on Facebook that choosing to resign to relieve the president's burden is a model of self-sacrifice.
Separately from Kim's resignation, the Democratic Party insisted on the need to clarify the allegations surrounding Han's leak of investigation materials. Jeon Yong-ki, a senior member, emphasized, "The resignation of the nominee does not justify the entire process of raising suspicions," and stated, "If confidential investigation materials were improperly leaked and politically exploited, both the person who provided the materials and those who used them should be held accountable under the law."
Kang Deok-gu, head of the Democratic Research Institute, also demanded an investigation into the circumstances of how the documents were obtained, stating, "If the information was acquired outside of proper procedures, it goes beyond mere political attacks and undermines public office discipline and the rule of law." Han Min-soo, another senior member, asserted that allegations regarding Han's involvement in the leak of investigation records should be dealt with under a principle of zero tolerance.
Park Byeong-eon, spokesperson for the Justice Reform Party, commented, "I extend my condolences to Kim Seung-won, who decided to resign considering the political burden on President Lee Jae-myung, despite having the will and ability for judicial reform."
He added, "Even if there are aspects that the nominee needs to clarify, the revival of 'political editing of investigation materials' initiated by Han Dong-hoon is a matter of great concern," urging unity within the progressive camp to prevent the resurgence of such practices.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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