[Presidential Briefing] President Lee Withdraws Nomination of Education Minister Nominee Lee Jin-sook (July 20, 2025)

📌 Senior Presidential Secretary Woo Sang-ho Announces Key Personnel Decision

On July 20, 2025, Woo Sang-ho, Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, held a media briefing to announce a significant update regarding ministerial appointments. This briefing reflects President Lee Jae-myung's continued commitment to responsible governance and transparent personnel decisions.

Since taking office, President Lee has nominated a total of 19 candidates for ministerial posts. Among them, 17 underwent National Assembly confirmation hearings, and six were successfully appointed following the adoption of confirmation reports.

🗣️ Decision to Withdraw Education Minister Nominee

After weeks of careful consideration and listening to a wide range of public and political voices, President Lee decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Jin-sook, who had been nominated as Minister of Education. The President also held meetings with Kim Byung-ki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, and Song Eon-seok, Acting Floor Leader of the People Power Party, to hear bipartisan perspectives.

The announcement emphasizes the President’s respect for public opinion and commitment to appointing figures who align with the public trust and government reform agenda.

📚 Importance of the Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education plays a central role in South Korea’s long-term strategy, especially in areas such as academic reform, digital literacy, support for regional universities, and AI-driven education initiatives. As such, appointing a credible and capable leader to this post is essential.

The decision to retract the nomination goes beyond partisan politics—it reflects the President’s deep sense of responsibility and willingness to reconsider personnel matters in the interest of national unity and transparency.

📣 Summary of the Briefing

19 total ministerial nominations since inauguration
17 underwent parliamentary hearings; 6 confirmed
Nomination of Lee Jin-sook for education minister withdrawn
Consultations held with bipartisan leadership
Call for the National Assembly to act promptly on follow-up steps

📰 Full Statement by Senior Secretary Woo (July 20, 2025)

Since taking office, President Lee Jae-myung has nominated a total of 19 candidates for ministerial positions, and 17 of them have gone through confirmation hearings. Among these, six have been appointed after the confirmation reports were adopted.

The President has taken time to listen to various opinions and has engaged in deep deliberation. He also met with Democratic Party Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki and People Power Party Acting Floor Leader Song Eon-seok to hear their views.

As a result of this process, President Lee has decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Jin-sook as Minister of Education. The President respectfully requests the National Assembly to take swift follow-up action in accordance with this decision.

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This article is based on the official briefing published by the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea.

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