South Korea’s nominee for justice minister has withdrawn from consideration for the role before being confirmed, the second ministerial nominee to pull out in a week after the president reshuffled his cabinet. Kim Seung-won, a ruling Democratic Party lawmaker, said in an announcement on Yonhap News TV on Saturday that he made the decision after watching the president’s press conference a day earlier. The withdrawal follows a broader cabinet reshuffle initiated by the president, signaling ongoing political turbulence within the ruling party.

Kim Seung-won’s decision adds to growing concerns about the stability of ministerial appointments amid shifting political dynamics. The nominee cited the president’s recent press conference as the key factor in his choice to step back from the nomination process. This marks the second such withdrawal in seven days, highlighting challenges in securing consensus for key government positions.

The situation underscores the sensitivity of judicial appointments in South Korea’s current political climate. Observers note that repeated withdrawals may hinder the administration’s ability to implement its policy agenda effectively. No replacement nominee has been named as of the report’s publication.