Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, who has been mentioned as a possible pick for the Daejeon–South Chungcheong integrated special mayor, appeared on CBS Radio "Park Jae-hong's One-Punch Match" on the 24th and left room regarding the speculation about being tapped.
Deputy Minister Kang appeared on the radio in the afternoon and, when asked about the Daejeon–South Chungcheong integration, said, "President Lee Jae-myung believes that a structural change is needed regarding real estate prices in Seoul," adding, "There is a recognition that we must achieve balanced national development to make structural changes."
He added, "We should interpret it as a judgment that, since the People Power Party has already proceeded with all the procedures, we can summon the courage to do it." The Daejeon–South Chungcheong integration has been pushed by the People Power Party, but recently, as President Lee Jae-myung stepped in, the Democratic Party of Korea joined, speeding up the process.
Deputy Minister Kang, regarding his name being mentioned for integrated special mayor of Daejeon–South Chungcheong, said, "I have never thought about it specifically." Kang said, "Until recently, there was also talk of being tapped for Seoul mayor," adding, "The presidential chief of staff is too demanding a position to leisurely ponder one's own career path."
However, when the host said, "I will replace the question by asking whether you want the Hanwha Eagles to win next year," Deputy Minister Kang replied, "They should have done it this year, but I'm worried because the lineup seems likely to change a lot next year." By showing affection for the Hanwha Eagles, the professional baseball team representing the Daejeon–South Chungcheong region, he effectively left room for the idea of being tapped. The host also said, "I will replace (an answer on being tapped) with that concern."
Deputy Minister Kang also conveyed the presidential office's position on a special counsel probe into the Unification Church. He said, "When the opposition called for a special counsel, the internal mood at the presidential office was, 'Of course, go ahead. Isn't it something that must be done? Shouldn't we investigate without sanctuary? I wish we would not hesitate about such things,'" adding, "Otherwise, it only breeds unnecessary speculation and misunderstandings, and there is absolutely no reason to carry such distrust—that was our clear position."
He said, "If we stated that position in advance, it would feel like we were meddling in the special counsel, so we watched with time," adding, "Fortunately, as the ruling party accepted the special counsel in a swift move, we naturally welcome the establishment of the probe, and we hope it becomes an opportunity to investigate everything without sanctuary, without distinguishing between the ruling and opposition parties, and to clarify matters so that such suspicions do not arise before the public."