[Breaking] Lee’s chief of staff tenders resignation over vetting of Cabinet picks

Kang Hoon-sik, the Blue House chief of staff, speaks at a briefing on Cabinet picks on Aug. 30, 2026. (pool photo)

The Blue House chief of staff tendered his resignation to President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, a senior spokesperson said during a briefing at the presidential office that day. 

Kang Hoon-sik’s offer to resign appears to be a gesture of taking responsibility for the appointment vetting process following the decisions by Rep. Yong Hye-in, and more recently, Rep. Kim Seong-won, to withdraw their names for consideration for the posts of gender equality and family minister and justice minister, respectively. 

“Given that the president repeatedly acknowledged his shortcomings in leading the country during last week’s press conference, Kang resigned to take overall responsibility as someone serving the president.”
By Seo Young-ji, staff reporter