Candidate Kim Seung-hee Voluntarily Withdraws... "Family Also Hurt, It's Difficult" (Update)

"No Misuse of Political Funds, but Ultimately Responsible for Management"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Kim Seung-hee, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, voluntarily withdrew 40 days after being appointed on May 26. Following former nominee Jeong Ho-young, both candidates have expressed their intention to step down on their own.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's ministerial confirmation preparation team issued a statement on the 4th announcing Kim's voluntary withdrawal.

Kim stated, "Since being nominated as minister, numerous criticisms have been raised without objective grounds, including about my family's private life, which is unrelated to me. Although I repeatedly explained that various suspicions were unfounded, it was very difficult to see not only my honor but also my family members hurt in the process."

Kim clarified the allegations raised so far. She explained, "In particular, regarding political funds, there was absolutely no intentional misuse for personal purposes. Although the issue arose from a practical error in accounting procedures, I humbly accept the criticism that I cannot be completely free from management responsibility."

She continued, "Under the current ambiguous system for the standards and management of political fund usage, controversies related to political funds will continue to arise. I request that institutional improvements regarding political funds be made through discussions within the National Assembly to prevent unfair and unreasonable damage cases like mine from recurring."

Previously, Kim faced allegations of private use of political funds related to real estate gap investment suspicions, automobile insurance premiums under her spouse's name, and rental car fees. Regarding the political fund allegations, Kim is undergoing a prosecution investigation commissioned by the National Election Commission.

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