Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor nominee, confirmed to have a drinking and driving record from 30 years ago

The past drinking and driving record of Kim Young-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, has been confirmed belatedly.

According to a report by SBS on the 2nd, Kim was fined 700,000 won by the Busan District Court in 1994 for violating the Road Traffic Act (driving under the influence) while he was an employee of the Korea Railroad (formerly the Korea National Railroad).

This is the first instance of a nominee for a ministerial position in the current government being confirmed to have a history of drinking and driving.

Kim's camp acknowledged this fact to SBS, stating, "I made a great mistake in my youth and deeply regret it. I apologize."

They added, "Since then, such incidents have not occurred, and I will behave properly in the future."

Drinking and driving by a candidate with a background as a railroad engineer leads to public servant verification controversy

Kim joined the Korea National Railroad in 1992 and worked as an engineer; at the time of his drinking and driving incident, he was a second-year engineer.

Although Kim's drinking and driving incident occurred nearly 30 years ago, it is expected to spark controversy over whether he is suitable for the significant role of Minister of Employment and Labor.

In particular, as the head responsible for workplace safety and worker rights protection, his past violation of laws could become a major issue during the moral verification process.

Image source: Kim Young-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor with a background as a railroad engineer, answered reporters' questions on his way to the Personnel Hearing Preparation Office at the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Administration in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 24th of last month. 2025.6.24 / News 1, data photos for understanding the article / Photo = Insight