Yoon Hojung Apologizes for Past Drunk Driving and Spouse's Income Tax Omission Controversy

Confirmation Hearing for Minister of the Interior and Safety Nominee on the 18th
Responds to Related Questions: "I Would Like to Offer a Broad Apology"

Yoon Ho-jung, the nominee for Minister of the Interior and Safety, apologized for his past drunk driving incident and the controversy over his spouse's omission in reporting comprehensive income tax.

At the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee confirmation hearing on July 18, Yoon responded to Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Kunyoung's question regarding his spouse's failure to report comprehensive income tax by saying, "I would like to offer a broad apology."

Yonhap News Agency

Yoon explained, "From 2020 to 2022, due to the COVID-19 crisis, we reduced the rent by about half, so the rental income did not exceed the taxable threshold. Even after filing the comprehensive income tax return, the amount of tax due was zero." He added, "After that, we thought it would be acceptable not to file the comprehensive income tax return. I consider it fortunate that we discovered this belatedly and were at least able to make the payment now."

Yoon's spouse purchased an officetel in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, and operated a rental business, but failed to report the comprehensive income tax on business income earned in 2023 and 2024. The tax was only paid belatedly on June 30, after Yoon was nominated as minister, which sparked controversy.

Regarding the revelation of his drunk driving record from 1995, Yoon stated, "Although it was during my younger years, I sincerely apologize for driving under the influence. Since then, I have made efforts to ensure that I never repeat such a mistake."

Meanwhile, Park Sumin, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, asked Yoon, who is a former aide, about his stance on the issue of alleged workplace abuse by Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Yoon replied, "Regardless of whether it is between aides and lawmakers, or between superiors and subordinates, or between those with authority and those without, I do not condone any form of workplace abuse and believe it must be eradicated."