President Lee Jae-myung is facing a critical decision regarding the appointment of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won. This comes after a web search on September 19, 2026, revealed that Lee has withheld his final decision on the nominee, citing a need to consider public sentiment and re-examine the presidential office's vetting system. The delay follows strong public backlash against Kim, with a Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) survey showing 52.1% opposition compared to 25.1% support for his appointment, suggesting a high political cost if Lee proceeds with the nomination.
The controversy surrounding Kim Seung-won stems from allegations that he lobbied for the approval of a pharmaceutical company's COVID-19 clinical drug trial in October 2021. Although prosecutors suspended the indictment after an investigation, the allegations have fueled public criticism. Adding to the complexity, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) unilaterally adopted Kim's confirmation hearing report, a crucial step for his appointment, two days after his hearing. This move has drawn strong opposition from the People Power Party (PPP), which has threatened street protests if the nomination is not withdrawn.
Lee's dilemma is further complicated by the political implications of either choice. Withdrawing Kim's nomination would mark the second such instance after former Gender Equality Minister nominee Yong Hye-in also stepped down, potentially signaling weakness and accepting the claims made by independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, which the DPK views as unlawful. Conversely, pushing through the appointment despite public opposition could further erode Lee's approval ratings and impose a severe burden on future governance. The situation has been described as a "no-win dilemma" for the president, impacting his flagship prosecution reform agenda and potentially leading to internal resistance within the DPK.
President Lee has acknowledged the shortcomings in the personnel vetting process and expressed his intent to re-examine the system, stating, "We did our best, but additional problems come to light... That, too, is our fault for failing to anticipate and prepare for such matters." He also addressed divisions within the ruling camp, urging unity and emphasizing that differing paths and methods should not lead to doubts about sincerity among supporters who share common goals like prosecution reform. Lee is expected to make his final decision after considering public opinion and internal party views over the weekend.
