Resignation Rocks South Korea: Presidential Secretary Steps Down Amid Controversy

Kang Jun-wook, the presidential secretary for national integration, resigned on Tuesday amid controversy over his remarks defending former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law proposal, the presidential office announced.

Kang, a former professor at Dongguk University, was appointed by President Lee Jae Myung in mid-July to gather public opinion and draft policies aimed at fostering social unity. However, he faced mounting pressure to step down due to his past controversial statements.

In a book published in March, Kang argued that Yoon had regarded martial law as a means to express his frustration with political gridlock. He contended that characterizing this move as an act of rebellion was tantamount to inciting public sentiment.

Kang also faced backlash over earlier Facebook posts in which he echoed Japan’s claims that its 1910-45 colonial rule modernized Korea and denied Tokyo’s wartime forced labor.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung addressed the growing public concern, stating that President Lee had accepted the secretary’s resignation.

“There was strong public criticism that his actions did not align with the administration’s governing philosophy and principles,” the spokesperson told reporters. “In response, Kang expressed his intention to take responsibility for his missteps and sincerely apologize to the public by voluntarily stepping down.”

The spokesperson added that a successor would be appointed from among conservative figures who share the administration’s philosophy and commitment to national unity. (Yonhap)