Kang Hoon-sik: "President's Will Behind Lee Hye-hoon's Nomination Challenge... Confirmation Hearing Needed"

Yonhap News Agency

On January 5, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated, "The very nomination of Lee Hye-hoon as Minister of Planning and Budget is a challenge for us."

Appearing on CBS's 'Park Sungtae's News Show' that day, Kang made this remark and added, "The President's intention is to take on a challenge, and we believe we should observe the confirmation hearing thoroughly and be evaluated accordingly."

Regarding the reason for nominating Lee as Minister of Planning and Budget, Kang explained, "We are wary of resource allocation being driven by relationships," and added, "Her balanced perspective and ability to make cool-headed, objective decisions were taken into consideration."

Addressing the controversy over Lee's alleged advocacy of insurrection, Kang further commented, "Her position has been fully reported, and we confirmed her willingness to apologize before nominating her."

However, regarding the allegations of abuse of power, Kang noted that such issues are difficult to verify in advance and should be addressed during the confirmation hearing. As for the real estate speculation allegations, he said, "Those issues arose when she was nominated as a candidate by the other party, and they are matters from long ago."

Meanwhile, regarding the expulsion of Lee by the People Power Party, Kang remarked, "We did not expect such strong backlash," and questioned, "Then how are we supposed to achieve national unity?"

When asked about the possibility of the lifting of the Korean Wave ban (Hallyu ban) in China following President Lee Jaemyung's visit to China, Kang replied, "I think it will take some time." He added, "The official position of China is that there is no such ban, and even now, various cultural exchanges such as Taekwondo are ongoing."