Kang Yoojeong Briefs at Presidential Office
Controversy Over Nominee Lee Hyehoon's Remarks at Anti-Impeachment Rally for Yoon
President Lee: "We Must Find Common Ground with Those Who Think Differently to Develop Rational Policies"
Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung announced that President Lee Jaemyung commented on the controversy surrounding Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for the inaugural Minister of Planning and Budget, stating that "it may be necessary for her to clearly express her position." The nominee previously made remarks at a rally opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol after the 12·3 Martial Law was declared.
During a briefing at the Blue House press center, Spokesperson Kang conveyed that "(President Lee) believes that the nominee must fully explain her past remarks regarding acts of insurrection and other issues that were unacceptable in the past, and that it is appropriate for her to more clearly express her intention to break from those actions."
Furthermore, President Lee reportedly stated that engaging in intense debates with people who hold different views can help develop more reasonable policies. Spokesperson Kang said, "(President Lee) emphasized that rather than forming a cabinet solely with people who share the same views, it is important to find common ground through vigorous debate, even with those who think differently," adding, "He said that the process of finding common ground can lead to the creation of new and rational policies." She continued, "(President Lee) also said that the nominee must have her abilities verified and must pass the public's scrutiny during the vetting process."
Earlier that day, nominee Lee arrived for her first day at the personnel hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Dadong, Seoul. She stated, "Our economy is currently in a perfect storm in the short term," and added, "We need to identify and eliminate unnecessary expenditures, while boldly investing in people's livelihoods and growth." The term "perfect storm" refers to a phenomenon in which individual storms or other natural events, which may not be powerful on their own, occur simultaneously and create devastating effects. In economic terms, it usually signifies a severe global economic crisis.
Lee further emphasized, "Our economy and society are facing a grave situation," and continued, "We are confronted with a structural and complex crisis that is undermining our growth potential. The dual burden of high inflation and a strong dollar is placing significant pressure on people's livelihoods."
The People Power Party strongly objected to the news of Lee's nomination, convening a Supreme Council meeting immediately after the announcement and deciding to expel her. Kim Jaewon, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, criticized on YTN Radio, saying, "(The Lee Jaemyung administration) will bring in self-serving and unscrupulous people, use them like disposable tissues, and then discard them."
Within the broader ruling coalition, there is a sentiment that nominee Lee needs to provide further explanation. A Democratic Party lawmaker told The Asia Business Daily, "While there isn't an explicitly oppositional mood, messages are being posted in group chats calling for clarification regarding the settlement of the insurrection issue," and added, "Still, the general atmosphere is that the President's wishes should be respected." Another Democratic Party lawmaker commented, "There is a need to consider a shift in the (insurrection settlement) stance. We need to assess whether the party's base is expanding." A lawmaker from the Progressive Reform Party stated, "There are concerns regarding the fiscal policy stance," and added, "Once the personnel hearing is scheduled, it will be necessary to verify how her position has changed."
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