Overview
- President Lee formally withdrew Lee Jin-sook’s nomination for education minister on July 20 after confirmation hearings revealed allegations of underage study abroad and academic plagiarism.
- On July 22, Lee asked the National Assembly to send the confirmation hearing report for Kang Sun-woo, signaling his intention to appoint her as gender equality and family minister despite opposition refusal to adopt the report.
- Opposition lawmakers, led by the People Power Party, demanded the cancellation of both nominations over ethical controversies, but Lee declined to withdraw Kang Sun-woo’s pick.
- Under parliamentary procedure, Lee may proceed unilaterally with Kang’s appointment if the Assembly fails to submit her hearing report within the newly designated deadline.
- Lee’s approval rating remains at 64 percent according to Gallup Korea, with only 11 percent of detractors citing his cabinet selections as their main concern.