[2024 National Audit] "Did you lend a necklace to First Lady Kim Geon-hee?"... Criticism of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service President's attitude

Suspicion of Favoritism at Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital Involving Director Kang Jung-gu's Spouse and Children
Consistent "Don't Know" Response to Assembly Member's Inquiry... "Is This Appropriate Behavior for the Subject of Inspection?"

Amid allegations that the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) was involved in granting special favors to Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital in government policies such as the pilot project for herbal medicine coverage, suspicions have arisen that Kang Jung-gu, the head of HIRA, is personally close to the Presidential Office.

Kang Sun-woo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, raised suspicions on the 16th during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee’s audit, claiming that Kang’s spouse lent a necklace worn by First Lady Kim Keon-hee during her overseas trips.

Kang said, "When the necklace worn by the First Lady during her overseas trip became controversial due to its high price, she explained that she borrowed it from an acquaintance," and asked, "There is talk that the acquaintance who lent the necklace is the director’s spouse. Is that true?" In response, Director Kang denied, saying, "That is absolutely not true."

There were also allegations that Kang’s child worked in President Yoon Seok-yeol’s presidential campaign and is currently working in the Presidential Office’s Public Service Discipline Secretary Office alongside Secretary Lee Won-mo, who is the son-in-law of the director of Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital.

In response, Director Kang explained, "My daughter is currently working in the Office of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs and has never worked with former Secretary Lee," adding, "She joined President Yoon’s campaign through a school recommendation."

Kang also questioned, "Professor Han Seung-han of Yonsei University College of Medicine and President Yoon are childhood friends. Professor Han, an ophthalmologist who issued the diagnosis certificate for President Yoon’s military service exemption and the certificate at the time of his reappointment as a public official, was even considered as a presidential physician. What is your relationship with Professor Han?" Director Kang replied, "We are senior and junior."

Criticism was also raised regarding Director Kang’s attitude and qualifications during the audit as the subject of the hearing.

Kang said, "The head of HIRA responds to multiple committee members’ questions with answers like 'I don’t know,' 'I haven’t thought about it,' and 'I need to check,' showing no sincerity, and sits in the audit without knowing anything. Is he trying to pick a fight with the committee members? With such a lack of expertise, I seriously question whether he is qualified to be the head of HIRA," he criticized.

In response, Director Kang rebutted, "I will provide clearer explanations, but I think this might be a somewhat prejudiced judgment."

Park Joo-min, chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, advised Director Kang, saying, "There have been multiple requests from lawmakers since this morning to point out the head of HIRA’s sitting posture and attitude in answering questions. It’s not just one person raising the issue, so I hope you respond more sincerely and maintain a proper attitude until the end."