Welfare Minister Nominee Jeong Ho-young Voluntarily Resigns... 43 Days After Appointment (Update)

"Emphasizing 'Allegations Proven False'
Yet 'Falling Short of Public Expectations... Humbly Accepting' Resignation Announcement

Health and Welfare Minister nominee Jeong Ho-young 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 Chunhee Lee] Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, has expressed his intention to voluntarily resign. It has been 43 days since President Yoon Seok-yeol nominated him as minister on the 10th of last month.

On the 23rd, Jeong stated, "There have been shortcomings raised in the eyes of the public, and I humbly accept such criticisms," adding, "I hereby resign from the position of Minister of Health and Welfare as of today."

However, regarding the allegations raised against himself and his children, he asserted, "There were no illegal or morally or ethically improper actions." Jeong emphasized, "Despite numerous allegations, no illegal or improper acts have been proven," and "Through the presentation of objective data and evidence, these allegations have been proven false." He defended himself against controversies including preferential admission of his children to medical school transfers, his son's thesis allegations, his son's military service evaluation favoritism, and holding concurrent positions as chairman of the Saemaeul Geumgo, stating that none of these issues were problematic.

Nevertheless, Jeong said, "It falls short of the public's expectations," and added, "I want to be a grain of wheat for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and bipartisan cooperation," announcing his resignation from the ministerial nomination. Regarding his future plans, he said, "I will return to the local community as a medical expert and support the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."

Finally, Jeong said, "I apologize to those who felt uncomfortable because of me," and added, "I would appreciate it if all feelings could be resolved through today's decision."

Last week, as the confirmation bill for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo passed the National Assembly, various allegations surfaced within and outside the presidential office, and Jeong, the only nominee among the cabinet members not yet appointed, was widely expected to resign. However, there was also a sentiment to respect Jeong's decision and wait until he voluntarily expressed his intention to resign. Earlier that morning, President Yoon said to reporters on his way to work regarding Jeong, "It seems a little more time is needed." With Jeong's announcement of his voluntary resignation, it is expected that the level of conflict between the ruling and opposition parties will ease further.