Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has voluntarily withdrawn his candidacy following President Lee Jae-myung's message of "meeting the needs of the people." Kim has been embroiled in controversy over allegations including leading a rally to cancel indictments and soliciting approval for new drug clinical trials. This resignation is expected to reduce the burden on state affairs and alleviate opposition concerns about the possibility of prosecutors canceling indictments through special prosecutor legislation or the Justice Minister's supervision. However, this marks the fifth personnel setback since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, raising concerns that it could hinder efforts to recharge the government's momentum. In particular, the appointment of Kim Ji-yong as head of the Major Crimes Investigation Bureau has drawn increasing criticism within the ruling party, further complicating matters for President Lee Jae-myung.
