South Korean chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik offers to resign over failed Cabinet nominations

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik offered to resign, Monday, taking responsibility for a string of bungled Cabinet nominations that has fueled criticism of President Lee Jae Myung’s personnel vetting system. If Lee accepts Kang’s resignation, two of Cheong Wa Dae’s top three secretary-level posts — chief of staff, policy chief and national security adviser — would be vacant at the same time, after former policy chief Kim Yong-beom stepped down earlier this month amid criticism over controversial financial products and tax policies. Kang's absence would deal another blow to the president as he has played key roles in diplomacy and economy as Lee's closest aide. Kang conveyed his intention to step down to Lee earlier in the day, senior presidential secretary for public relations Sung Ki-hong said during a briefing. A Cheong Wa Dae official said that during Friday's press conference, the president had said multiple times that his own shortcomings had contributed to negative public views of his administration. "As chief of staff, Kang tendered his resignation to take overal

President Lee Jae Myung's approval ratings have been partly blamed on failed ministerial nominations.

Kang Hoon-sik offered to resign following weeks of declines in president Lee Jae Myung's approval ratings, partly blamed on failed ministerial nominations.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik offered to resign, Monday, taking responsibility for a string of bungled Cabinet nominations that has fueled criticism of President Lee Jae Myung’s personnel vetting system. Kang conveyed his intention to step down to Lee earlier in the day, senior presidential secretary for public relations Sung Ki-hong said during a briefing. The presidential office did not immediately say whether Lee had accepted the resignation. Kang chairs Cheong Wa Dae’s personnel committee and oversees the selection and screening of minister-level officials. His offer to step down is widely seen as a response to the successive withdrawals of gender equality minister nominee Yong Hye-in and justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won.