President Lee Jae-myung said on September 18 that he has not made a final decision on whether to appoint justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won. Speaking at a press conference, Lee said he would consider issues raised during the public vetting process, the nominee's capabilities and what he described as the public's standards before deciding. The statement leaves the appointment unresolved rather than signaling that a final approval has already been given.
The National Assembly adopted a confirmation hearing report for Kim on September 17 amid objections from the People Power Party, but the appointment still depends on the president's decision. The latest development is therefore procedural and limited: the parliamentary review has advanced, while the executive decision remains open. Lee's comments also make clear that criticism raised during the vetting process is part of what he says he is weighing.