Resignation of Park Jun-young, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Nominee, with Ruling Party Saying "President Moon Accepts Public Sentiment"

Park Jun-young, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, appeared at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 4th and responded to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As Park Junyoung, the nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, announced his voluntary withdrawal on the 13th, the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "The President also made this decision after much deliberation," adding, "Although it is Park's own opinion to withdraw his nomination, since the appointing authority, the President, accepted it, we consider it as the President's acceptance of public sentiment."

On the same day, Representative Song Younggil said, "The nominee also resigned after difficulties, and I understand the President made the decision after careful consideration. It is regrettable," and according to Chief Spokesperson Ko Yongjin, he added, "In the nominee's case, selling ceramic pottery during his public service does not meet the public's standards, and I believe it was an unavoidable situation that he had to step down."

According to Chief Spokesperson Ko, Representative Song also requested, "The opposition party should first actively cooperate with the vote of approval for Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum today and also actively cooperate in discussions regarding the improvement of the hearing system in the future."

After announcing the position, Chief Spokesperson Ko told reporters, "The President judged that the disqualifications of the three nominees were not significant and requested the resubmission of the personnel hearing reports for the three. However, considering the public's standards, it was difficult to approve all, so after gathering public sentiment and opinions from the party leadership, the decision was accepted," he explained.

He added, "The nominees with concentrated issues are Park and Im Hyesook, the nominee for Minister of Science and ICT, and my view is that if the President can manage personnel by having at least one of them step down, it would be appreciated."

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