South Korean Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Withdraws Amid Approval Slump

On September 19, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's nominee for justice minister, Kim Seung-won, withdrew from consideration, the second cabinet pick to step aside in a week. The withdrawal follows allegations of lobbying and financial irregularities, which Kim denied. A Gallup Korea poll released on Friday showed Lee's approval at 37%, the lowest since he took office in June 2025. President Lee acknowledged shortcomings in the screening of nominees and said the personnel system is being reexamined.