President Lee on Nominee Controversies Involving Yong Hyein and Kim Seungwon: "We Tried, but Fell Short; It Is Our Fault"

President Lee Holds Seventh Press Conference Since Inauguration on the 18th

"Will Reexamine Personnel System, Promise to Do Our Utmost"

President Lee Jae-myung announced on September 18 that he would review the personnel system in response to the personnel controversies that emerged during the cabinet reshuffle. Regarding the appointment of Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice who is facing allegations of "improper solicitation," President Lee stated, "A decision has not been made yet."

On this day, President Lee held his seventh press conference since taking office at the Blue House State Guest House under the theme "The Will of the People, The Lives of the People—We Will Pay Closer Attention." Responding to questions about the personnel controversies raised during the reshuffle process, including those surrounding nominee Yong Hyein for Minister of Gender Equality and Family and nominee Kim, President Lee commented, "I hope we can discover more competent individuals who are suitable for their roles," and explained, "We make efforts through our own system, but there are always shortcomings."

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions at a press conference held on the 18th at the Blue House State Guest House. 2026.9.18 Yonhap News Agency

President Lee went on to say, "It would be too much to expect all recommended personnel to receive only praise without any criticism," adding, "We have done our best, but additional issues may arise, and judgments different from ours may be raised." He continued, "It is our fault that we failed to prepare and anticipate even such issues, and there may still be shortcomings," acknowledging the administration's responsibility.

President Lee also said, "I intend to review the personnel system," but added, "It is difficult to guarantee that no issues will ever occur again. What I can promise is that we will do our best."

Meanwhile, when asked about the plans to appoint nominee Kim, who is facing allegations of lobbying for clinical trial approval of a new drug, President Lee remarked, "The more appointments you make, the more difficult personnel decisions become." He added, "The criteria and basis for personnel decisions all differ," and "we are seeing various controversies arise during the process of public scrutiny." He concluded, "We will carefully make a decision, taking into account the many points raised and public expectations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.