Cheong Wa Dae Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs "Apologize to the People... Was Lacking as a Father" (Comprehensive)

Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Leaving Blue House Amid Son's Job Application Controversy... "Sorry for Not Being Able to Stay by the President's Side"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jin-guk, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House, apologized to the public on the 21st regarding the controversy over his son's job application, stating, "I was lacking as a father."

On the same day, Kim visited the Blue House Press Hall in the afternoon to deliver his resignation. There was no separate Q&A session.

Kim said, "First and foremost, I deeply apologize to the public for causing concern." He added, "As a father, I was lacking. My son's inappropriate behavior is entirely my fault."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim explained, "I have believed that public officials serving the people should have no misunderstandings or suspicions, even regarding their families. Therefore, if there is even a slight shameful point, it is only right to take responsibility."

Kim said, "That is why I am leaving. Although I am departing, I hope that the Moon Jae-in administration's will and efforts toward justice and fairness will be fully evaluated by the people."

Kim added, "I am sorry for not being able to stay by the president's side until the end. I sincerely hope for a successful government and a successful president as I step down."

Meanwhile, it was reported that Kim's son indicated on a company job application that his father was the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. Although Kim's son did not secure employment through that application, his actions sparked controversy over unfairness.

It was also reported that Kim's son has been receiving treatment for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In his resignation remarks, Kim made no separate mention of his son's health issues and stated that it was "entirely my fault."

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