Ruling Party Criticizes Kim Jowon, United Future Party Lawmaker Shares 'Family Matters'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] While voices of criticism have emerged within the ruling party regarding former Blue House Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jowon, a member of the United Future Party revealed personal circumstances of the former secretary.

On the 12th, Woo Won-shik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, referred to an interview with Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jong-min, who defended former Secretary Kim, on Facebook, saying, "I have a ridiculous comment," and posted remarks such as, "Even if he resigned, as a senior secretary of the Moon Jae-in administration’s Blue House, isn’t he still someone for whom the Moon Jae-in government bears responsibility?" before reportedly deleting the post. He also mentioned, "He should not appear arrogant in front of the public."

The previous day, Kim Jong-min stated on KBS's 'Sasa Geongeon' broadcast, "That person (former Secretary Kim) is said to own two houses, but there are various private family matters that are not disclosed," adding, "Because he is a public official, he has no choice but to endure such misunderstandings quietly, but to speak like that even about someone who has resigned is really wrong."

Former Secretary Kim came under public scrutiny for not disposing of his property in Gangnam before stepping down.

Regarding the "private family matters that are not disclosed" mentioned by Representative Kim, Park Sung-joong of the United Future Party conveyed the information. On the same day, Park appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Money and power cannot coexist at the level the public expects, so I think this is quite a personnel matter that aligns with the public’s standards. On the other hand, if you look at it differently, he actually chose the apartment over the Blue House senior secretary position."

He continued, "I personally know Secretary Kim Jowon well. We were military colleagues, and because of that," adding, "There are some internal difficulties, but I cannot discuss those circumstances any further."

When the host asked about the "circumstances preventing the sale of the house," Park mentioned, "It relates to his wife, remarriage, and various other issues."

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