Investigation Launched into Son of Former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jin-guk over 'Dad Chance' Allegations

by Jeong Donghoon

Published 29 Dec.2021 15:05(KST)

Kim Jin-guk, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House, who was embroiled in controversy over his son's job application, tendered his resignation on the 21st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police have launched an investigation into the case of Mr. Kim (31), the son of former Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jin-guk, who became embroiled in controversy after writing in his job application that "my father is the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, so he will provide a lot of help."

According to the police on the 29th, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency was assigned the case after the Judicial Examination Preparation Group (Sajunmo) filed a complaint against Mr. Kim on the 20th for obstruction of business. The police plan to investigate the complainant on the morning of January 3 next year.

Previously, the son of Secretary Kim wrote in job applications submitted to several companies that "my father is the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs," and once this fact became known, criticism arose that this was an inappropriate act using so-called "dad's chance."

Former Secretary Kim told the media, "There is no excuse, and I sincerely apologize," but also explained, "My son has been receiving treatment for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms." On the 21st, former Secretary Kim expressed his resignation, taking responsibility for the incident, and President Moon Jae-in immediately accepted his resignation.

In response, the civic group Sajunmo stated, "Since the victim companies appear to have all contacted the accused, it is believed that the accused's actions either obstructed the recruitment work of the victim companies or posed a risk of obstruction," and filed a complaint against Mr. Kim.