[The Editors' Verdict] Nevertheless, If It Must Be Jeong Eun-kyeong

There is widespread surprise that Jeong Eun-kyeong, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, accepted the nomination despite the controversy over her husband's alleged investment in so-called "COVID-19 beneficiary stocks." In fact, the public also found it unusual when Jeong joined the presidential campaign as the chief election strategist for Lee Jae-myung. This was likely due to the restrained and cautious demeanor she displayed during the COVID-19 era, as well as her image as someone seemingly unrelated to politics. Nevertheless, contrary to her previous statement that she would "return to my daily life and my university if the administration changes," she has chosen not to return to either.

All those who were mentioned as potential candidates alongside Jeong were considered to have their own expertise and appeal. Amid this, it appears that President Lee’s final decision to select Jeong was influenced by a certain rapport between her and the medical community. As a physician, Jeong previously stated before the presidential election that the "Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s mistake was trying to solve medical issues solely by increasing the medical school quota." The Korean Medical Association, which had been fiercely criticizing the government until recently and insisted that the quota increase issue needed to be reset from the beginning, naturally expressed strong support, saying, "We sincerely welcome this." Since the launch of the new administration, the medical community has repeatedly conveyed its recommendations for the health minister to President Lee through various channels, and it is known that there was particularly strong advocacy for Jeong and other figures from the medical field. There are also reports that the presidential office was open to these recommendations from the medical community.

Given these circumstances, it is highly likely that the "Jeong Eun-kyeong Ministry of Health and Welfare" will set its medical policy direction toward achieving President Lee’s core pledge of strengthening public healthcare, while stepping back from the issue of increasing the medical school quota. The fact that the National Assembly has partially restored budget allocations with the return of medical residents in mind, and that Jeong has stated, "I will review ways for (medical residents) to return," are interpreted as further evidence supporting this inference. If things proceed in this way, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s medical reform will, in effect, be scrapped. However, I am not sure whether it is right for the medical reform agenda itself to be swept away along with the ousted former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Although the blunt approach focused on the figure of "an increase of 2,000" ruined everything, there is still a consensus that the intention to enhance the competitiveness of the medical system and reduce inequality and disparities in healthcare remains valid.

From this perspective, another noteworthy point is how much policy and political space Jeong will be given. The aforementioned circumstances surrounding her appointment suggest that she is already somewhat entangled in political and group logic, which may make it even more difficult for her to establish proper reform measures as an expert. Moreover, while strengthening public healthcare, including the establishment of public medical schools, is a meaningful policy approach and goal, it is insufficient as an overall reform discourse and is highly contentious. In addition, the medical community is likely to continue seeking to maintain its leadership over medical policy in the future.

Jeong’s determination, patience, and humility, which she demonstrated as the "COVID-19 response commander," still leave a strong impression on many people. The outcome of the controversy surrounding her husband will only become clear once the confirmation hearing is held, but regardless of legal issues, it is essential that she explains, apologizes, and seeks understanding from the public with the utmost sincerity. Furthermore, if she becomes minister, I hope she will boldly pursue genuine reforms that everyone can feel, going beyond the technical jargon understood only by doctors or the political engineering shared among bureaucrats.