President Lee Jae-myung said he has not yet decided whether to appoint Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, and pledged to review the presidential office's personnel vetting system after it drew criticism during the nomination process.
Speaking at a press conference at the Yeongbingwan guest house in the presidential compound on Sept. 18, Lee said of Kim's possible appointment: "I believe we made the best possible choice, but various controversies have emerged during the public's vetting process." He added, "I have not yet reached a final conclusion," and said he would "decide carefully, taking into account the public's expectations."
Asked whether the personnel controversies stemmed from individual nominees or from the vetting system itself, Lee said, "I intend to review the personnel system now," adding, "I hope we can identify many capable people suited to their posts." He acknowledged that "we make efforts through our own system, but it is always insufficient."
Lee said it "would be excessive to hope that the people we recommend receive nothing but praise and no criticism at all." He added, "We did our best, but additional problems come to light, and judgments different from ours are also raised."
