The Blue House said regarding the controversy over Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in that "it is the Blue House's position that there must be an opportunity to provide an explanation to the public."
Chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung answered this when asked at a briefing on the 11th whether "the possibility remains of withdrawing the nomination of the nominee Yong." It is seen as reaffirming the existing position that the nominee should have a chance at a National Assembly confirmation hearing to directly explain the allegations raised against the nominee.
As for Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok's assessment that the selection of Ministry of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won was "a good appointment," Kang said, "There is nothing further to say regarding the leader's remarks."
Kang added, "Those nominated as Minister candidates should have an opportunity through the hearing to state their views on their job suitability and various allegations," and said, "It is right to provide an opportunity to explain to the public."
However, Chief Spokesperson Kang also said, "The Blue House is listening closely to the diverse voices of the public."
On the nominee Yong holding a press conference the previous day to refute the allegations raised against the nominee, Kang said, "There was no separate coordination with the Blue House." Kang added, "It is an issue unrelated to President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to France."
Regarding criticism of the Blue House's vetting in the process of selecting Minister nominees, Kang said, "It is difficult to describe the specific personnel vetting process in detail, but the Lee Jae-myung administration finalizes appointments under the responsibility of the personnel committee chair through the personnel system," adding, "We are supplementing the personnel framework to ensure it meets public expectations and will further strengthen it."