Nominee Jeong Eunkyung's First Day: "Will Do My Best for Healthcare Reform and Strengthening the Social Safety Net"

"Spouse's Stock Controversy
to Be Addressed at Confirmation Hearing"

Jeong Eunkyung, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, stated on the 30th, "I will do my utmost to pursue healthcare reform that reflects the voices of the public and the medical community, and to strengthen the social safety net that guarantees the basic livelihood of the people."

Jeong Eunkyung, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, speaks about her appointment feelings as she arrives for her first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News

Jeong made these remarks to reporters as she arrived for her first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the same day.

Regarding her plans for dialogue with the medical community, she said, "I believe the biggest problem stems from a lack of trust." She explained, "The most urgent task is to restore a relationship of trust and cooperation with the medical community in order to resolve the issues." She added, "I will work to incorporate the opinions of the public, experts, and many healthcare professionals to develop a more systematic healthcare reform plan."

However, she expressed caution regarding special measures for the return of medical residents. Jeong said, "Recruitment for residents is scheduled for September, so there is not much time left," and added, "After assessing the situation, I will review ways to facilitate their return by considering the opinions of the residents."

She also stated that policies such as basic income and the establishment of a public medical school to secure a social safety net would be further developed during the process of formulating national policy tasks. She said, "Measures to establish a life-cycle income security system are being proposed, and I believe there is consensus on strengthening essential and public healthcare." She continued, "I think detailed plans will be developed through the process of formulating national policy tasks by the National Policy Planning Committee."

Meanwhile, regarding the controversy over her spouse's stock holdings, Jeong commented, "There is a lot of incorrect information in the reports," and added, "I will thoroughly explain the situation to the public during the confirmation hearing." Previously, Jeong faced allegations that her spouse purchased stocks in companies that benefited from COVID-19, such as diagnostic kit and mask manufacturers, during the pandemic, and made significant profits as a result.