Lee Jae-myung, the President, decided to push forward with the appointment of Kang Sun-woo, who is caught up in the 'aide abuse' controversy, amid claims supporting the candidate within the ruling party. Some prominent party leader candidates and lawmakers referred to the alleged victims of abuse as 'problematic individuals,' while others raised issues, asserting that statements defending Kang were not adequately addressed during the confirmation hearing. However, a former Minister of Gender Equality from the Moon Jae-in administration revealed Kang's 'budget abuse', drawing attention to possible changes in the presidential office's stance.
Kim Hyun-jung, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said on the morning of the 21st on YTN radio, 'It's a bit perplexing that the aide abuse issue has come up,' adding, 'As a fellow lawmaker, it would be difficult to think that anyone would believe the candidate (Kang) would engage in such behavior (abuse), as Kang has an excellent personality and gets along well with those around him.'
He mentioned the support of Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, who is running for party leader, saying that 'sharing an umbrella in the rain is a camaraderie,' suggesting that this might reflect Jeong's opinion of Kang Sun-woo. He also noted, 'There are quite a few statements from aides who worked closely with her saying she was like a friend and they felt rewarded.'
In particular, regarding the allegations that Kang had her aides clean her home's bathroom and separate trash for her, and obstructed their employment, he stated, 'Abuse is somewhat relative and subjective,' adding, 'It seems that the president comprehensively evaluated and decided this point as well, given that opposing testimonies from aides were not well covered in the media.' He also commented, 'There were no issues concerning expertise and qualifications during the personnel verification process.'
Amid this, calls for the withdrawal of Kang's nomination have increased among some within the ruling camp. Former Minister of Gender Equality Jeong Young-ae, who was appointed during the Moon Jae-in administration, shared on her social media that she had experienced related anecdotes involving Kang during her tenure as minister. It was revealed that Kang demanded the resolution of local complaints from the minister and, when it did not go according to her wishes, used her position as a lawmaker to execute retaliatory budget cuts.
According to former Minister Jeong, Kang requested the participation of professionals such as obstetricians in establishing a 'sunflower center' in her district (Gangseo Gap in Seoul). Former Minister Jeong conveyed this request to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital located in the area, and the then-president of Ewha stated, 'We can only accept one obstetrics and gynecology resident,' adding that the priority was the operation of the newly opened hospital and that they would definitely cooperate in the next opportunity.
In response, Kang reportedly said, 'If instructed, I would do it, so why the fuss?' and cut part of the budget from the Ministry of Gender Equality's planning coordination office. The former minister later conveyed that only after she apologized to Kang did the budget get restored. She noted, 'It's staggering to send a lawmaker who engages in budget cuts unrelated to local complaints to the Minister of Gender Equality,' adding, 'I hope you can understand my sincere desire for the success of the fourth democratic government.'
The presidential office reiterated that it was the decision of the personnel authority, stating, 'I hope the public can understand.' Woo Sang-ho, Chief of Political Affairs at the presidential office, said in a briefing the day before, 'As a result of continuous contemplation, President Lee decided to withdraw the nomination of this candidate,' asking the public to understand that various opinions were considered in this comprehensive decision.