Jung Ho-young's Position: Yoon "Needs a Little More Time," Ruling Party "Many Oppose Appointment"

People Power Party Leans Toward Voluntary Resignation Proposal

Jung Ho-young, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and is leaving the hearing room after completing the morning questioning. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 23rd, President Yoon Seok-yeol said regarding the appointment of Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, "It seems that a little more time is needed."

President Yoon made this remark while meeting with reporters on his way to work that morning. It is interpreted as meaning that both President Yoon himself and nominee Jeong need time to consider the matter. Although Jeong completed the parliamentary confirmation hearing on the 3rd, the confirmation report was not adopted amid controversy over the so-called "dad's chance" involving his child's medical school transfer, and his appointment has been delayed.

Within the ruling party, there is growing support for Jeong's voluntary withdrawal. It is also known that the People Power Party's presidential office has conveyed opposition to Jeong's appointment. Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, said regarding Jeong's nomination, "I think the nominee himself should decide on his position," and "After consulting with senior party members and many lawmakers, I can only say that there were many opinions opposing Jeong's appointment as minister." When asked if this was communicated to the presidential office, he replied, "I have conveyed those opinions."

The Democratic Party of Korea expressed opposition to Jeong's appointment while drawing a line at the approval of Han Duck-soo, the nominee for Prime Minister. Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, appeared on MBC Radio that day and said, "Jeong is effectively a card that the public has already caused to be dropped," adding, "Whether the president appoints Jeong or not is ultimately his decision, and the evaluation will be made by the people."

He continued, "I believe the public is keeping a running tab of the president's personnel disaster and the forced appointment without apology or explanation," and added, "If problems arise in the future work of cabinet members, the National Assembly will actively consider measures to be taken."