Cheong Wa Dae declines to confirm petition over sexual misconduct allegations tied to Kim Seung-won's withdrawal

Cheong Wa Dae said Saturday it could not confirm reports that a petition containing sexual misconduct allegations and other claims had recently been delivered to the presidential office, in connection with the withdrawal of Kim Seung-won as nominee for minister of justice.

"It is difficult to confirm matters related to personnel affairs," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters that day.

Earlier that morning, Kim had stepped down, saying he had "failed to meet the public's expectations."

He cited his desire not to add "even a small burden to a government that must complete its reforms" as the reason for his withdrawal, but some in political circles said additional allegations had been raised against him.

After his withdrawal news conference, Kim left without responding to reporters' questions asking whether new issues had prompted his decision and whether allegations beyond those already known existed.

KBS reported Saturday that former aides to Kim had delivered a petition to the presidential office through Hong Ik-pyo, Cheong Wa Dae's chief political secretary, and others on Thursday. The petition allegedly detailed past sexual misconduct allegations against Kim, efforts to cover them up, additional drunk-driving incidents and other influence-peddling allegations.