Controversy Over Favoritism for Children and Repeated Resignation Pressure... Jeong Ho-yeong Repeats "No Problem"

Health and Welfare Minister nominee Jeong Ho-young is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jung Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, expressed regret and apology over multiple 'ineligibility' criticisms, including allegations of special favors related to his child's medical school transfer and military service, but stated, "I have no intention of voluntarily resigning."

At the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 3rd, when Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung asked, "Are you aware that the People Power Party is also calling for your voluntary resignation?" Jung replied, "I feel regretful." When questioned about why he is holding onto the nominee position despite resignation pressures, he said, "I believe there are no moral or ethical problems despite the allegations raised."

When lawmaker Ko pointed out, "Morally and ethically, does this meet the public's expectations? Shouldn't it meet the public's expectations?" Jung responded, "This is different from the discomfort the public feels."

Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Byung-won also pressured, asking, "What do you think about Kim In-chul, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, voluntarily resigning this morning? When do you plan to voluntarily resign?"

Jung dismissed the resignation demands, saying, "I think I came here to clarify the various allegations against me. I have detailed 63 allegations on the Ministry of Health and Welfare's website."

Earlier, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sung-joo asked, "Have you ever thought about resigning after seeing public opinion and the medical community's response?" Jung said, "I sincerely regret and apologize for causing concern to the public," but avoided answering about resignation.

Regarding being known as a '40-year friend' of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, he said, "After the president was assigned to Daegu, we met two or three times a year," adding, "We are not 40-year friends."