Lee Hyehoon Apologizes for "Condoning Insurrection"... Stresses Need for Fiscal Role in Alleviating Polarization

"Obsessed with Results, Caused Harm to Colleagues"
"Fiscal Productivity and Sustainability Are Crucial"

Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, apologized for her past words and actions at the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Planning Committee confirmation hearing on January 23, 2026, and outlined her philosophy for achieving growth and welfare through fiscal policy.

In her opening statement at the hearing, Lee said, "Since being nominated as a ministerial candidate, there have been numerous criticisms of my shortcomings," and bowed her head, adding, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my immature words and actions."

She continued, "I failed to recognize that my obsession with results and proving myself only through outcomes in policy caused harm to my colleagues. Once again, I apologize for having stood in a position where I cannot avoid criticism for having condoned insurrection. I will offer no excuses."

Lee stated, "I acknowledge that failing to admit my mistakes immediately and letting a year pass in silence, as well as this belated apology itself, are further wrongdoings. If I am given even a single opportunity to contribute to the success of a government based on popular sovereignty with my lifelong experience and expertise in fiscal policy, I will accept it as a mandate from the people to repay my mistakes with dedicated service to the nation."

Lee Hyehun, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is moving while receiving questions from reporters at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 19th. The plenary meeting of the Finance and Economy Planning Committee held that day was adjourned after a dispute between the ruling and opposition parties over whether to hold a hearing for Minister Lee. January 19, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding her decision to accept the ministerial post, she said, "The need for unity and cooperative governance has always been raised, but there have been no tangible results. In the current situation, where the ruling party does not need to consolidate power, the move toward unity is seen as a genuine step toward institutionalizing cooperation." She added, "I have taken this position with the determination to open a new path for Korea, even if it means facing criticism, because the country has been unable to move forward due to factional politics."

Addressing controversy over her changing political stance, she explained, "Even when I was part of the conservative bloc, I consistently advocated for economic democratization. I was attacked for sponsoring bills such as the Minimum Wage Act, the Interest Rate Limitation Act, and the Wheelchair Ban Act, but I have always chosen pragmatism for the sake of the national interest and the people."

On fiscal management, Lee emphasized, "At a time when we have recorded four consecutive quarters of growth in the zero percent range and are only now at a turning point for economic recovery, an active fiscal role is needed to boost potential growth and alleviate polarization. Attention to the productivity and sustainability of public finances is more important than ever." She added, "I have consistently advocated for eliminating redundancy and preventing waste to improve spending efficiency. I will pursue 'smart fiscal policy' by maximizing budget efficiency through data-driven and performance-based fiscal management."

She also highlighted five major crises: high exchange rates, elevated perceived inflation, demographic crisis, climate crisis, rapid transformation in artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial technology, polarization, and regional extinction. She stressed, "Transforming the budget into a tool for realizing the national vision is the reason for the establishment of the Ministry of Planning and Budget." To this end, Lee presented four key tasks: ▲ Establishing a mid- to long-term national development strategy ▲ Achieving simultaneous growth and welfare ▲ Building a virtuous cycle that ensures fiscal sustainability ▲ Realizing open fiscal policy with enhanced public participation and transparency.

Lee concluded, "I will undergo rigorous scrutiny from the public's perspective. I will humbly accept criticism, and if I am given one last opportunity to serve the country, I will turn that criticism into tangible results that the people can feel."