Controversies are putting two of President Lee Jae Myung’s Cabinet nominees under pressure in Seoul ahead of confirmation hearings. Kim Seung-won faces renewed scrutiny over alleged help for a COVID-19 drug trial approval, while Yong Hye-in is criticized for wanting to keep her Assembly seat. The disputes are also adding to concerns about Lee’s falling approval ratings.
Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, left, and Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in / Yonhap
Two minister nominees are facing mounting questions over whether they can survive their confirmation hearings, as a series of controversies and corruption allegations have drawn growing public criticism.
If even one of them fails to pass the hearing or steps down from the nomination, it will deal a blow to President Lee Jae Myung, who hoped the Cabinet reshuffle would help him regain momentum for his policies amid falling approval ratings.
Lee nominated Kim Seung-won, a two-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and a former judge, as his next justice minister, to oversee follow-up measures for reforms related to the prosecution and new criminal justice system, which are set to take effect Oct. 2.
