FSS Chief Resigns

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The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae has accepted the resignation of Financial Supervisory Service Chief Kim Ki-sik. The appointee was under mounting pressure over who was funding the overseas trips he took while he was a lawmaker.

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Financial Supervisory Service chief Kim Ki-sik has stepped down 17 days after his appointment. In a text message sent to journalists, Kim said he respects the National Election Commission's ruling and will resign immediately. A high-ranking Cheong Wa Dae official said that although the Financial Supervisory Service chief has stepped down, the National Election Commission ruled that his overseas business trips, which had been verified by the presidential civil affairs office, were lawful. The civil affairs office added that it respects the National Election Commission's ruling, because the presidential office had not verified Kim's donations. In a written message issued on April 13, President Moon Jae-in promised he would have Kim resign if he was found to have committed even a single irregularity while serving as a lawmaker. The opposition parties are stepping up their offensive regarding Cheong Wa Dae's screening system. However, the presidential office said that it has no plans to offer additional comments on the matter for now.