South Korean Chief of Staff Resigns Over Cabinet Failures

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik offered his resignation on Monday, September 21, taking overall responsibility for a series of failed Cabinet nominations and declining public support. The move follows the withdrawals of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won and Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in. These represent five failed ministerial appointments since Lee Jae Myung took office in June last year.

Kang, who chaired the personnel committee overseeing the appointments, faced demands for accountability from the opposition People Power Party. The resignation offer comes as President Lee previously acknowledged his own shortcomings regarding public concerns about the administration. Despite the political instability, a Realmeter survey released Monday showed Lee's approval rating rose slightly to 34.8%, marking the first increase in 10 weeks.

President Lee has not yet decided whether to accept the resignation. A final decision is expected after the president returns from a diplomatic trip to New York and Mexico on September 27.