Full Breakdown
South Korean Chief of Staff Offers Resignation as Cabinet Nomination Failures Undermine President Lee’s Approval
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 21, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik tendered his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung. He framed it as “overall responsibility” for a series of personnel setbacks that have eroded Lee’s public support. The president has not yet decided whether to accept the resignation.
Background & Context
Lee’s administration, inaugurated in June 2025, launched a wide-scale cabinet reshuffle in late August. Two of the six ministerial picks—Yong Hye-in (gender-equality and family minister) and Kim Seung-won (justice minister)—withdrawn after allegations of misconduct and controversy over their qualifications. The fallout has been linked to a broader perception that the presidential office’s vetting system is ineffective. President Lee publicly acknowledged shortcomings in the screening process during a press conference on September 18, pledging a review of the personnel system.
Timeline
| Date (occurred) | Event |
|---|---|
| August 30 | Yong Hye-in nominated for gender-equality minister; controversy over dual office-holding emerges. |
| September 13 | Yong Hye-in withdraws her nomination. |
| September 18 | President Lee attributes public dissatisfaction to his own shortcomings; press conference triggers further scrutiny of nominees. |
| September 19 | Kim Seung-won withdraws his justice-minister nomination. |
| September 21 | Kang Hoon-sik offers resignation; President Lee says he has not decided on acceptance. |
| Later this month | Lee travels to the United Nations General Assembly and a state visit to Mexico; decision on Kang’s resignation expected after his return. |
Data & Statistics
- Approval rating: Lee’s support rose 1 percentage point to 34.8 % in a Realmeter poll released on September 21, marking the first increase in ten weeks.
- Failed nominations: Five ministerial nominations have collapsed since the administration took office, including the two recent withdrawals.
- Staff vacancies: Acceptance of Kang’s resignation would leave two of the three top chief-level posts at the Blue House vacant.
Official Statements & Responses
President Lee reiterated his commitment to “re-examine the personnel vetting system” and emphasized that “all power, including appointment authority, comes from the people.” Senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication Sung Ki-hong confirmed the resignation was submitted on the morning of September 21 and noted that Lee had not yet decided on acceptance. A Cheong Wa Dae official explained that the resignation follows Lee’s admission that the administration’s public perception stemmed from his own lack of responsibility.
Criticism & Opposition
Members of the opposition People Power Party (PPP), led by Jang Dong-hyeok, accused the administration of “making Kang the sole casualty” while shielding the influential Gyeonggi-Seongnam faction. Pro-Lee DP lawmakers warned that Kang’s departure could exacerbate internal tensions, noting rumors that senior policy secretary Jeong Jin-sang might increase his influence if Kang leaves.
Why It Matters
The resignation offer highlights a deepening power struggle within the Blue House, pitting the president’s close-in-city “Gyeonggi-Seongnam” network against other factions. The personnel crisis threatens the administration’s ability to fill key ministries, potentially hampering policy implementation on issues ranging from justice reform to gender equality. Public perception of accountability may influence upcoming legislative battles and Lee’s diplomatic agenda.
What’s Next
President Lee is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly and a state visit to Mexico later this month. Analysts expect a decision on Kang’s resignation to be announced after Lee returns, while the ruling Democratic Party continues to search for candidates to fill the vacant chief-staff and policy-chief positions. The outcome will shape the administration’s capacity to address remaining personnel vacancies and restore public confidence.