President Lee withdraws nomination for Lee Jin-sook as Education Minister

President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet is continuing to take shape, with several appointments confirmed and one notable nomination withdrawn over the weekend.

Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is building his first Cabinet, but not without a few bumps along the way.

On Sunday, President Lee withdrew his nomination of Lee Jin-sook, the former president of Chungnam National University, as Education Minister.

"President Lee has been carefully weighing up his decision, listening to a wide range of opinions. On Saturday, he met with Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, and Song Eon-seog, interim leader and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, to hear their views as well."

The nominee had come under fire following allegations of plagiarism in her academic work and controversy over sending her daughter abroad alone to study while still a middle school student, which is illegal under Korean law.

Woo added that the government will search for a new candidate to lead the Education Ministry.

However, the President is standing by his pick for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who's also facing backlash over allegedly mistreating her aides.

"After thoroughly reviewing the issues raised, Kang's explanation, and opinions shared through various channels, the President has made his final decision."

President Lee has filled seven of the 19 minister posts in his first Cabinet so far: six new faces and one holdover, retaining Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung.

More appointments could follow this week, as confirmation hearings have been completed for all but the Culture and Land ministries.

In South Korea, minister nominees must go through parliamentary confirmation hearings, though it's the President who makes the final decision.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.