S. Korea’s justice nominee withdraws in Lee’s second cabinet setback
Kim Seung-won's exit follows the withdrawal of Yong Hye-in as nominee for gender-equality minister, as president Lee Jae Myung's approval ratings slump.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's nominee for justice minister, Kim Seung-won, has withdrawn from consideration, marking the second cabinet pick to step aside this month amid a decline in his approval ratings. This comes shortly after the withdrawal of his gender-equality minister nominee, Yong Hye-in, following allegations of financial irregularities and lobbying over a drug trial.
Kim cited a desire not to burden the president's administration and admitted to not meeting public expectations. At a press conference, Kim expressed deep reflection on his shortcomings and denied the allegations against him.
President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged the issues, stating that the administration is currently working to reexamine its personnel system. The president's approval rating, according to a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, stands at 37%, the lowest since he assumed office in June 2025. This decline has been partly attributed to criticism over his personnel appointments.
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- S. Korea’s justice nominee withdraws in Lee’s second cabinet setback freemalaysiatoday.com
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