(C) Korea Times

President Lee Jae-myung’s abrupt use of the discretionary dismissal power against Kang Hyung-seok, the Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has sent a sharp, clear message about accountability within his administration. However, the circumstances surrounding the dismissal—allegations of misconduct predating the appointment and improper behavior toward a superior while in office—have simultaneously cast a harsh spotlight on the Presidential Office’s personnel vetting process. The firing, which was officially justified by "inappropriate exercise of authority and improper conduct" in violation of laws, marks an unprecedented move against a vice-ministerial appointee under the current government, establishing a new, albeit fraught, precedent for the handling of high-level malfeasance.

The core of the issue stems from Kang's tenure as Director-General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Multiple government sources allege that Kang exerted undue pressure on the ministry's audit office to stifle a disciplinary action against a subordinate high-ranking official implicated in a 'power abuse' (갑질) incident, which was already under the scrutiny of the Office for Government Policy Coordination (국무조정실). This alleged act of abuse of power (직권 남용) is a severe breach of public trust, transforming an internal supervisory role into one of obstruction of justice. For a senior official to actively attempt to shield a colleague from the consequences of misconduct undermines the very foundation of ethical governance and institutional integrity.

Adding to the gravity of the pre-appointment allegations are reports of inappropriate conduct following his elevation to the vice minister role. It is understood that Kang made "excessive remarks" toward his superior, Minister Song Mi-ryung, even in official settings. While the precise nature of these remarks remains undisclosed, such behavior points to a fundamental breakdown in the chain of command and professional respect required for effective cabinet operation. The Presidential Office’s swift decision to dismiss him after a concentrated audit signals the President’s zero-tolerance policy for insubordination and disrespect for institutional hierarchy, especially when combined with prior ethical lapses.

Yet, this decisiveness comes with a considerable political price. The most stinging criticism leveled against the administration is the failure of the personnel verification system. The key allegation of abuse of power relates to events that occurred before Kang was appointed as Vice Minister. As one ruling party official lamented, this should have been grounds for disqualification flagged by the Public Discipline Secretary's Office. The fact that an individual with such a cloud hanging over his record could pass presidential scrutiny and assume a high-level post reveals a serious gaps in the vetting process. This incident echoes previous concerns about the thoroughness and effectiveness of the background checks conducted by the Presidential Office.

An effective and trustworthy government requires not only the will to punish misconduct but also robust systems to prevent compromised individuals from reaching positions of power in the first place. This dismissal, while necessary, is a reactive measure—a damage-control exercise. The true challenge for the Lee administration is to move beyond mere reactions. The focus must now shift to an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of the Presidential Office’s vetting mechanisms.

The stability and credibility of the administration hinge on the public's confidence in the integrity of its officials. By dismissing Vice Minister Kang, President Lee has demonstrated accountability in action. However, without a transparent and rigorous commitment to fixing the underlying flaws in the personnel selection process, this will likely not be the last time the administration is forced to clean house. The public and the legislature are now demanding not just dismissals, but proof that the systemic failures that allowed this official's ascent have been permanently addressed. The integrity of the government is at stake.