Kim Hyun-ji Drawn Into Yong Hye-in Nomination Fight as Parties Trade ‘Conspiracy’ Claims

Kim Hyun-ji, the first secretary in the presidential office, has emerged as an unexpected flashpoint in the confirmation battle over Yong Hye-in’s nomination as minister of gender equality and family. The People Power Party is using remarks by a political commentator and former Democratic Party official to raise allegations that Kim intervened in personnel decisions. The Democratic Party has dismissed the claims as conspiracy theories.

The controversy began on the JTBC YouTube program on the fourth, when Seo Yong-joo, a former standing deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party, appeared not to realize that his microphone was live. “Is there a personnel line? It’s Kim Hyun-ji,” he said. After realizing the broadcast was underway, Seo explained that Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik had said he would perform the role of senior personnel secretary because the post was vacant, and that key members had gathered to discuss appointments.

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Is there a personnel line? It’s Kim Hyun-ji.

The explanation did not end the controversy because the presidential office currently has a senior personnel secretary. Seo later apologized, saying he was embarrassed that a light joke appeared to have been conveyed in a way different from what he intended.

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Confession

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk called the remark a “confession” on Facebook and described Kim as the person behind what he called “all affairs through Hyun,” as well as a hidden power inside the presidential office. He also claimed that Yong’s selection was part of Kim’s effort to build a “left-wing cartel.” Floor leader Jung Jum-sik said the cabinet reshuffle would be deeply troubling if it had been produced by an underground organization operating through Kim.

The Democratic Party pushed back. Spokesperson Lee Yong-woo called for an immediate end to conspiracy-driven politics, saying opponents had turned one joke into a confession and added labels including “hidden power,” “Gyeonggi Eastern Alliance” and “left-wing cartel” to construct a huge conspiracy. He compared the tactic to delusions about election fraud.

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Conspiracy theory based on delusion