Minister of Health and Welfare Nominee Reiterates in Statement
"Adult Children Made Their Own Efforts and Decisions... Feeling Heartbroken and Sympathetic"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, reiterated that he has committed no illegal acts such as falsehood or fabrication, nor any morally or ethically improper conduct, regarding the controversy over his two children’s transfer to Kyungpook National University College of Medicine and preferential treatment in military service.
In a statement sent to reporters on the 26th, Jeong said, "I fully understand the public’s suspicions, and I am also aware that there may be a gap between my explanations and the public’s doubts," adding, "Many allegations have been raised, but many of them are exaggerated or false."
He continued, "I feel sorry that there has been much controversy over whether my children had to enter Kyungpook National University College of Medicine, and I have taken time for self-reflection and introspection," explaining, "However, as a father, it was difficult to deny the efforts and decisions made by my adult children."
He also stated, "Since there were no social norms in our society regarding children entering the schools, companies, or organizations their parents belong to, it is still not easy to judge what decision is correct," and "My children were admitted through their own efforts without violating any rules or regulations for fairness, but as their efforts are being doubted because of me, it pains me deeply as a father."
He confirmed his willingness to cooperate with investigations related to the allegations raised.
Jeong said, "I believe the truth must be revealed for the honor of myself, my children, my alma mater, and my workplace, Kyungpook National University and Kyungpook National University Hospital," adding, "I will actively cooperate with any investigation and provide explanations based on accurate facts during the confirmation hearing so that the public will have no doubts."
Previously, Jeong faced allegations of using "dad’s power" when his son and daughter transferred to Kyungpook National University College of Medicine while he was serving as vice president and president of Kyungpook National University Hospital. In response, Jeong claimed, "Volunteering at Kyungpook National University Hospital was open to anyone who applied, so there was no need for any special request," and "My son’s thesis contribution was confirmed by various materials and testimonies to be sufficient to be listed as the third or fourth author."
Regarding the controversy over his son’s military service classification changing from Grade 2 to Grade 4 (social service agent), Jeong announced on the 21st the results of a re-examination conducted at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, explaining, "It was confirmed that the reason for the Grade 4 classification in 2015 remains the same."
Since the 12th, Jeong has been commuting to an office set up in the National Pension Building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to prepare for the confirmation hearing. Until now, he had briefly responded to reporters’ questions on his way to work, but from this day forward, he announced in advance that he would not hold separate Q&A sessions to focus on preparing for the hearing scheduled for the 3rd of next month. Instead, he released a four-page statement containing these details through the Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister Nominee Confirmation Hearing Preparation Team.
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