Hong Joonpyo Says, "Lee Hyehoon's Character Is Problematic Before Politics... Doubts Whether Public Sentiment Will Accept Her"

Strong Criticism Citing Past Nomination Anecdote
Both Ruling and Opposition Parties Signal Rigorous Vetting Amid Power Harassment Controversy

As Lee Hyehoon, a former lawmaker from the conservative United Future Party (now the People Power Party), has been nominated by the Lee Jaemyung administration as the inaugural Minister of Planning and Budget, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo publicly criticized the decision, stating, "It is not a bad move for left-right integration, but her character is problematic before politics." He especially raised doubts about the public's acceptance of the nominee by recalling an anecdote from a past party nomination process.

On January 2, Hong posted on his social networking service (SNS) regarding Lee’s nomination, saying, "I have doubts about whether the public sentiment will be able to accept her." He further explained, "Lee came to me in 2004, ahead of the April general election, when I was serving on the candidate screening committee, asking to be placed on the proportional representation list," and described the situation in detail.

Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu. The Asia Business Daily DB

According to Hong, at that time, the Grand National Party was undergoing a major reshuffle of senior lawmakers in the wake of consecutive presidential election defeats and the impeachment of former President Roh Moo-hyun. He claimed, "She requested a proportional representation seat, but the party decided to nominate her for the Seocho district, considering the contributions of her late father-in-law, former lawmaker Kim Taeho."

Hong added, "She joined the party and worked as an economic policy expert, but after being ousted from Seocho during the last nomination process due to the so-called 'Kimchi Scandal,' she moved between Dongdaemun and Seongdong, and has now been selected by the current administration." By highlighting this political trajectory, Hong raised concerns about Lee's qualifications and attitude.

Lee Hyehun, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is expressing his stance as he arrives at the hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 29th of last month. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Hong's remarks have amplified the controversy surrounding Lee's alleged "verbal abuse and power harassment of aides." In 2017, while serving as a lawmaker for the Bareun Party, Lee was accused of making harsh remarks to an intern staff member for not immediately reporting a news article that mentioned her name. The release of an audio recording of the incident has drawn criticism from both the political sphere and the public.

As the controversy spread, Lee's camp issued a statement, saying, "We sincerely apologize for the deep hurt caused to the staff member during the course of work," and added, "We offer our apology without excuse and are deeply reflecting on the matter." Regardless of assessments of Lee’s economic expertise, political circles predict that issues concerning her character and leadership will become central topics at the confirmation hearing. With Hong publicly raising concerns, both the ruling and opposition parties are expected to intensify their scrutiny of her morality and suitability for public office.