Lee Hyehoon’s Confirmation Hearing Finally Begins... Ruling and Opposition Parties to Rigorously Scrutinize 'Power Harassment' and 'Speculation' Allegations

Lee Apologizes for Immature Words and Actions

Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, stated at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Planning Committee on January 23, "I failed to recognize how my single-minded focus on results and my obsession with proving myself solely through outcomes hurt the valuable colleagues who worked with me. I deeply regret this."

Lee Hyehun, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is attending the confirmation hearing held on the 23rd at the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Planning Committee. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On this day, Lee added, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my immature words and actions." The confirmation hearing was held based on an agreement between the ruling and opposition parties after being postponed due to insufficient submission of documents. Although the hearing finally began, it faced renewed difficulties from the start due to continued issues with incomplete documentation.

Choi Eunseok, a member of the People Power Party, stated during the proceedings, "Lee's camp has engaged in media play as if they had submitted most of the required documents, but this is a blatant lie." Choi criticized, "The only response Lee has provided is that submitting the documents is difficult due to personal data protection concerns."

Regarding suspicions of fraudulent apartment applications and false residency registration related to Lee's Banpo One Pentas apartment in Seoul, Choi said, "None of the essential documents required for verification, such as entry records or key materials to confirm actual residence, have been submitted." He demanded that the relevant documents be submitted by 4 p.m. that day.

Lee is currently facing multiple allegations, including fraudulent apartment applications, real estate speculation in Yeongjongdo, verbal abuse and power harassment of aides, evasion of gift tax, and preferential military service for her children. The ruling party has also stated its intention to thoroughly verify these allegations. Jeong Ilyoung, a member of the Democratic Party, said during the proceedings, "The Raemian One Pentas apartment application is the most controversial issue, so I requested the most basic application form, but the nominee's camp replied that it could not be submitted because it was an online application," again demanding the submission of documents.

In her opening statement, Lee apologized for the various allegations and expressed her perspective on the confirmation hearing. She said, "I once again apologize for having stood in a position of making a wrong judgment that is difficult to avoid criticism for having condoned rebellion." Lee added, "If I am given even a single opportunity to contribute to the success of the people’s government with the experience and expertise in fiscal policy that I have accumulated throughout my life, I will take it as a mandate from the people to atone for my mistakes through the weight of public service and will do my utmost."

Lee described herself as "someone who can harmoniously integrate different perspectives into the governance of the people’s government," and said, "Having consistently advocated for spending efficiency, I am ready to deliver results by eliminating redundancies and preventing leaks." She explained, "My consistent belief is to practice 'smart fiscal management' by maximizing budget efficiency through data-driven and results-based fiscal operations, while faithfully fulfilling my role when fiscal intervention is needed."

Lee also stated, "Even when I was part of the conservative camp, I consistently and most actively voiced support for economic democratization. I did not focus solely on market fundamentalism but emphasized pragmatism for the national interest and the people, transcending political camps." A former research fellow at the Korea Development Institute, Lee served three terms as a lawmaker in the Grand National Party and Saenuri Party, predecessors of the People Power Party.

Meanwhile, the confirmation hearing was also marked by controversy over protest placards displayed by opposition lawmakers. Some members of the People Power Party placed placards reading "Hey!!!" on their desks, intending to highlight allegations of verbal abuse and power harassment of aides during Lee’s time as a lawmaker.

Kim Youngjin, a Democratic Party lawmaker, remarked, "Since this hearing is intended for verification, I think it would be better to remove the placards and proceed with the hearing in a normal manner." Following his comment, the People Power Party lawmakers removed the placards.