People Power Party Ramps Up Attacks on Lee Hyehoon
Allegations have emerged on January 1 that Lee Hyehoon, former People Power Party lawmaker nominated as the first Minister of Planning and Budget under the Lee Jae-myung administration, engaged in abusive behavior and verbal harassment toward an intern staff member during her time as a National Assembly member.
Lee Hyehoon, former People Power Party lawmaker, nominated as the first Minister of Planning and Budget of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Photo by Yonhap News
According to a TV Chosun report on December 31, a recorded phone call from 2017 was released in which Lee, then a lawmaker with the Bareun Party, reprimanded an intern staffer for failing to report a news article that mentioned her name.
The recording contains Lee shouting at the staff member and making remarks such as, "Do you not understand Korean?", "Is your IQ a single digit?", and "I really wish I could kill you." It is reported that the staff member resigned from the office about two weeks after the incident occurred.
The People Power Party has launched a full-scale campaign to force Lee to withdraw her nomination in response to these revelations.
Previously, the People Power Party had labeled Lee a "traitor" and a "collaborator," and announced plans for a rigorous vetting process at the confirmation hearing, including gathering related allegations and tips.
Yang Hyangja, a Supreme Council member, appeared on SBS Radio that day and commented on the recording, saying, "These are stories I have heard before, so there was nothing surprising."
When asked whether she thought Lee's nomination would be withdrawn or if she would fail to pass the confirmation hearing, Yang replied, "We need to see how public opinion develops, but under the current circumstances, I think it will be difficult."
Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo also criticized Lee on Facebook, writing, "How can someone who needs immediate hospital treatment be appointed as a minister?" and added, "Lee Hyehoon's humiliating abuse of power fits perfectly with the Democratic Party's DNA." He further remarked, "Abuse of power never ends with a single incident. Lee Hyehoon's double mask will continue to be exposed."
It has also been reported that People Power Party members of the National Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee, who are responsible for Lee's confirmation hearing, recently held a meeting to discuss hearing strategies and to collect allegations and tips.
Party leader Jang Donghyuk stated on December 30, "There are things Lee has done and said in the past. We are already receiving multiple tips," adding, "We will conduct a thorough review at the confirmation hearing."
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