The Presidential Office said on the 19th that it respects the decision by Kim Seung-won, the nominee for justice minister, to withdraw from consideration.
Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential spokesperson, said in a notice to the media that day that the office understands the nominee made the decision to reduce the burden on state affairs. She added that necessary follow-up procedures will proceed in accordance with established rules.
Earlier that morning, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly's communications building and said he had decided to step down from the justice minister nominee post after deep deliberation, withdrawing 20 days after his nomination. Kim said he had taken the lead in the birth of the government of the people's sovereignty and had run without rest for its success, but that he firmed up his decision while watching the president's press conference the previous day.
