Full Breakdown
Justice Minister Nominee Withdraws as Lee Jae Myung’s Approval Slips
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Cabinet Reshuffle and Recent Withdrawals
President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office in June 2025, launched a cabinet reshuffle in late August 2024. Within days, two of his nominees stepped aside: Yong Hye-in withdrew from the gender-equality minister post on Sunday, and on September 19 2024 Kim Seung-won announced his withdrawal from consideration for justice minister. Both departures have been linked to growing criticism of Lee’s personnel choices.
Poll Data and Political Impact
A Gallup Korea poll released on Friday recorded President Lee’s public approval at 37 percent, the lowest level since his inauguration. Poll analysts have connected the decline partly to the controversy surrounding the nominee withdrawals and broader concerns about the administration’s screening process.
Official Statements & Responses
President Lee acknowledged shortcomings in the vetting of cabinet picks, stating that his administration is working to reexamine the personnel system. Kim Seung-won said he did not want to add any burden to Lee’s administration and denied accusations from a conservative lawmaker that he had lobbied regulators over a drug trial and engaged in financial irregularities. The conservative lawmaker’s allegations were not detailed further in the available reports.
Why It Matters
The successive resignations underscore internal challenges for Lee’s government as it seeks to solidify its policy agenda. The dip in approval ratings suggests that public confidence may be eroding, potentially affecting the president’s ability to advance legislative priorities and maintain coalition support in the National Assembly.