DPK: "Lee Hyehun Nomination Reflects Centrist, Pragmatic Approach"... Criticizes PPP's 'Expulsion' as "Regrettable"

On December 28, the Democratic Party of Korea commented on the nomination of Lee Hyehun, a former senior member of the People Power Party, as the first Minister of Planning and Budget in the Lee Jaemyung administration, stating that “the President’s centrist and pragmatic personnel philosophy is reflected in this decision.”

Lee Hyehun, Minister of Planning and Budget nominee. Photo by Dongju Yoon

Kim Hyunjung, the party’s floor spokesperson, met with reporters at the National Assembly and said, “We believe this is a person whose expertise is recognized by all,” adding this assessment.

Regarding the People Power Party’s expulsion of the nominee, she said, “This should not be seen as an act of betrayal, but rather as a channel to properly restore the economy and budget, and to sufficiently reflect various opinions when formulating the budget.” She added, “It is an overreaction,” and continued, “Labeling it as betrayal seems to be only from the perspective of the People Power Party. The public does not see it that way and will likely view it as a positive move.”

Cho Seungrae, the party’s secretary-general, also criticized the move on Facebook, saying, “Responding with expulsion to the President’s intention for unity-by appointing a former lawmaker of the main opposition party, who is also a current regional chairperson, to the key post of Minister of Planning and Budget-shows that the People Power Party is truly a disappointing party with no politics of unity for the nation and the people.”