On the 3rd, Kim Hong-kyun, first vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rebutted the opposition's claims that the daughter of Prosecutor General Shin Woo-jeong received unfair employment, stating during an emergency inquiry at the National Assembly, "There was no situation where any special treatment could be given."
Vice Minister Kim responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Han Jeong-ae that "(the Prosecutor General's daughter) was hired through a blind process that does not request any personal information of the applicants during the document screening or interview procedures."
On that day, lawmaker Han pointed out that the initial qualification requirement was "a master's degree holder in the relevant field," but the Prosecutor General's daughter was employed as a "candidate for a master's degree." In response, Vice Minister Kim noted, "The hiring process opened in January and February, so it was understood that those expected to obtain a master's degree would have their qualifications recognized if they could provide proof of it," adding, "This has been implemented since 2021."
When lawmaker Han pointed out that "the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission recommended that administrative agencies should not do that as it would be hiring corruption," Vice Minister Kim replied, "It was a recommendation, and we treated everyone fairly in following that procedure." He continued, "We informed all applicants that those who are candidates for a master's degree were also eligible, and the evaluation of experience was reviewed by a committee that included commissioners who are personnel experts."
Vice Minister Kim explained the background behind the final rejection of the one candidate who initially applied, stating, "Six people applied, but among them, only one held a master's degree in economics," adding, "The interviewers all gave below-average ratings on the accuracy and logic of the expression of views."
Vice Minister Kim mentioned that in the reannouncement a month later, the eligibility was changed from "master's degree holders in economics" to "master's degree holders in international politics," which the Prosecutor General's daughter qualified for, saying, "The field was broadened, but we emphasized that people with degrees in economics were preferred, resulting in 19 applicants," adding, "Among them, only one had a bachelor's degree in economics, and that person was also eliminated in the document screening." He emphasized, "There was no change in the major field with a specific person in mind."
Minister Kim Moon-soo of the Ministry of Employment and Labor stated in response to a lawmaker's request for an investigation into the hiring of the Prosecutor General's daughter, "We will review it and proceed if necessary," adding, "If a case is reported to our department or we have serious suspicions, I can promise you that we will conduct a transparent, fair, and strict investigation to meet your expectations."