Song Ok-rial withdraws as FTC chairman nominee

Seoul National University law professor Song Ok-rial at an office in Seoul on July 6. Song, who was nominated as the head of the Fair Trade Commission withdrew on Sunday. [YONHAP]

Seoul National University law professor Song Ok-rial withdrew as a nominee for the post of chairman of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC).

On Sunday, he said he wasn't confident he could live up to the public's expectations.

"I plan to focus on teaching," Song said.

Song is the fourth cabinet nominee selected by President Yoon Suk-yeol to withdraw voluntarily.

The law school professor has been under fire for making comments years ago to the effect that he ranked students by their looks.

While he made an apology at the time, he again apologized for his misbehavior during a press conference held after his nomination was announced.

During the press conference on July 5, he said he did mention the earlier comment to the president’s office.

"I plan to accept if my qualification is questioned and my nomination becomes a problem," Song said.

Song was a former colleague of President Yoon as the two attended the Judicial Research & Training Institute between 1992 and 1994.

The law professor passed two state exams, the public servant exam and the diplomat exam.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]