The police have launched an investigation into allegations that the spouse of Jeong Eunkyung, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, held shares in companies that benefited from COVID-19 while she was serving as Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
Jeong Eunkyung, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, is answering questions from reporters as she arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up on Namdaemunro, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 30th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the police on July 16, a case filed by the civic group People's Livelihood Countermeasure Committee (Seominwi) against Jeong, accusing her of abuse of authority and violation of the Public Officials Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, was recently assigned to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. On the morning of the same day, the police called in Kim Soonhwan, Secretary General of Seominwi, for questioning as the complainant.
Seominwi stated, "While Jeong was urging the public to wear masks and use self-diagnostic kits as Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was revealed that her spouse purchased shares in companies producing those items. Furthermore, the COVID-19-related stocks held by her spouse at that time were more numerous than previously reported in 2022. However, in materials recently submitted to the Presidential Office, some holdings were omitted or the amounts reported were lower than the actual amounts received."
Jeong has responded, "There is a lot of misinformation regarding these allegations," and added, "I will explain the facts to the public based on the truth during the confirmation hearing process."
The National Assembly confirmation hearing for Jeong is scheduled for July 18.
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