Kim Moon-su, the Minister of Employment and Labor, commented on the attempt to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-youl on the 6th, saying, "The president hasn't even been indicted, yet is being completely treated as a criminal. This is too much," and noted, "Public sentiment is turning."
On this day, Minister Kim, during a meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labor press corps in the government complex in Sejong, stated, "Given that the individual is the sitting president, it seems excessive not to accord basic courtesy."
He noted, "Even lawmakers found guilty up to the appellate court are many, and according to the Constitution of South Korea, presumption of innocence is maintained until a final court decision."
Furthermore, Minister Kim remarked, "Why is the warrant issuing court the Western District Court, and is the warrant legitimate? Many issues are being raised," adding, "Issuing a harsher and more severe type of warrant to the president compared to the general public seems problematic."
Minister Kim also noted that regarding acting president and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Strategy and Finance, announcing the appointment of two constitutional court judges, "I was surprised to hear this announcement made without consultation." Previously, during a Cabinet meeting on Dec. 31, Minister Kim had opposed acting president Choi's appointment of the two constitutional court judges.
Further, he said, "Initially, the judges couldn't be appointed because the opposition party opposed it, and now they keep urging the acting representative for action, which could risk overstepping authority."
Additionally, Minister Kim stated, "Even though the president was impeached because of martial law, I don't know what the prime minister did wrong to be impeached," and added, "Acting President Choi lacks legitimacy as he wasn't elected."
In addition, Minister Kim expressed regrets about being mentioned as a presidential candidate, saying, "I find it quite unfortunate. The Minister of Employment and Labor is ranked 16th in hierarchy and isn't in a political position, but being mentioned indicates that our society is quite frustrated and thirsty."