President Lee's New Year's Press Conference on the 21st
"Fairness Requires Hearing the Nominee's Explanation... Regret Over Blocked Confirmation Hearing"
On Criticism of Vetting Process: "How Could We Know Everything, Like Abuse of Aides?"
To Rul
President Lee Jaemyung expressed regret that he was unable to make a decision regarding the fate of Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, who has been embroiled in various controversies such as abuse of power, verbal abuse, and real estate speculation. He stated that he had intended to listen to the public's judgment after watching the National Assembly confirmation hearing process, but the opportunity was blocked, so he would take time to make a decision. As the deadline for adopting the confirmation hearing report on the 21st is likely to pass due to the People Power Party's boycott, the Blue House now faces the situation of having to decide whether to request the resubmission of the report. However, President Lee asked for public understanding regarding his efforts to appoint figures from the conservative camp.
At a New Year’s press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House, President Lee said, “The issue concerning this nominee is truly one of the most difficult problems. I did not expect it to become such an issue. I have not yet decided what to do regarding this nominee, including whether to request the resubmission of the confirmation hearing report.” He added, “What I regret is that I wanted to have an opportunity to publicly hear her side and to make a decision after listening to the judgment of the people who watched the confirmation process, but even that opportunity was blocked. I am sure the nominee regrets it, but I also regret it greatly.”
He actively refuted criticisms that there were problems in the Blue House’s personnel verification process. President Lee said, “We need to determine whether it is true or not, but how are we supposed to know if she abused her aides or not? She was nominated five times by the conservative camp and elected as a National Assembly member three times, yet no problems were ever raised.”
He continued, “If they attack us by disclosing information only they (such as the People Power Party) know, as if punishing a traitor in the movie 'The Godfather,' it is difficult for us to know. It makes me wonder if this is politics or reality. Although it is difficult to ask the public for understanding, I hope there will be 'some acceptance' given the necessity of (national) unity.”
Nevertheless, the president reiterated that he must represent the entire nation. Regarding criticism from his own supporters about the nomination of Lee Hyehoon, he said, “Until I was elected president, I was the representative of one side, but from the moment I was elected, I firmly believe I must represent everyone. Even if I do not lose my basic principles, let us try to find a path forward together.”
He added that through this nomination, “Even though we have been divided and fought, the fight is over and now we must move toward a unified nation that represents everyone. That is an important duty of the president, but I do not think I am fulfilling it as much as I should. I hope you will accept the necessity of such (unity).”
Meanwhile, after the press conference, the ruling and opposition parties reached a tentative agreement to hold a confirmation hearing for Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget. A Democratic Party official from the Strategy and Finance Committee stated, “We have tentatively agreed to hold the hearing on the 23rd, on the condition that the necessary documents are submitted.” However, since the condition of document submission remains, the actual holding of the hearing is still uncertain. It appears that the tentative agreement was reached as President Lee repeatedly emphasized the necessity of the confirmation hearing during the New Year’s press conference and other occasions.
Political Intervention by Religion Is "A Road to National Ruin"...Must Be Eradicated
Regarding suspicions of collusion between religion and politics involving groups such as the Unification Church and Shincheonji, President Lee once again emphasized that this is “a road to national ruin” and that “it must be eradicated.” He particularly stressed that it is unacceptable to systematically use religious beliefs as a political tool, stating, “They do not realize how wrong and dangerous this is, and think it is their right.” He went on to say, “It is like handing someone a gun to defend the country, but then they point it at the people at will-this is an act of rebellion.”
He also mentioned that when religious beliefs and political tendencies combine, it can cause significant social problems, and directly referred to the content of some Protestant pastors’ sermons. President Lee said, “Protestant churches did not openly and systematically engage in such behavior in the past, but recently there have been cases where they do so openly and systematically. Some even repeatedly preach 'Kill Lee Jaemyung' or say 'Only if Lee Jaemyung dies will Korea survive.'”
He also indicated that investigations could be expanded to problematic Protestant churches. Introducing calls for investigations into some Protestant groups, President Lee said, “When plowing a field, you must first remove the large stones, then the gravel and small stones. If you try to remove everything at once, it is too difficult. First, remove the big stones, then the gravel. That stage will come.” He added, “We must take this opportunity to amend the law and strictly sanction political intervention by religious organizations. The current level of punishment is far too lenient.”
Regarding the delay in launching a special prosecutor related to this issue, he argued that it appears the opposition, including the People Power Party, lacks real intent. President Lee said, “They say they want to do it, but in reality, they do not. That is why I have ordered investigations to proceed until an agreement on the special prosecutor is reached. The most typical case is the Daejang-dong special prosecutor. I proposed it, but they made it so that those who did not want it could avoid it.” He added that until the special prosecutor is launched, investigations will be conducted swiftly and strictly, regardless of rank or status.
"Dialogue Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Comes First...I Will Meet Representative Jang Donghyuk When Necessary"
President Lee effectively declined the request from People Power Party Representative Jang Donghyuk for a one-on-one meeting. He said, “We should meet when it is necessary and useful. Of course, we should continue to meet, but if I engage in direct dialogue or so-called ‘direct dealing’ with individual parties, what will happen to the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties and the National Assembly?” He emphasized, “It is right to meet when there has been sufficient dialogue and an additional breakthrough or a political decision by the president is needed.”
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