President Lee Withdraws Nomination of Lee Hyehoon...Blue House: "Did Not Meet Public Expectations" (Comprehensive)

Hong Ikpyo Holds Briefing on January 25

Hong Ikpyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, is briefing at the Blue House on the withdrawal of President Lee Jae-myung's nomination of Lee Hyehoon for Minister of Planning and Budget on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On January 25, President Lee Jae-myung withdrew the nomination of Lee Hyehoon for Minister of Planning and Budget. This decision comes about a month after the surprise appointment of Lee, a conservative figure, as the head of the budget authority.

Hong Ikpyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, stated during a press briefing at Chunchugwan that afternoon, "President Lee listened to a wide range of opinions from all sectors of society regarding the nominee and carefully observed the public's assessment following the confirmation hearing." He added, "After much deliberation and consideration, President Lee decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Hyehoon."

Senior Secretary Hong explained the reason for the withdrawal, saying, "Although Lee Hyehoon served three terms as a National Assembly member from a conservative party, unfortunately, she did not meet the expectations of the public as Minister of Planning and Budget in a government that upholds popular sovereignty." When asked why the nomination was withdrawn rather than a voluntary resignation, he elaborated, "Since President Lee had brought in someone from the conservative camp, he felt it was his responsibility as the appointing authority to see the process through, including the withdrawal of the nomination."

Hong further emphasized, "True integration can only be achieved through change that transcends partisan logic and ultimately leads to grand unity." He added, "The President's ongoing deliberation and efforts to reaffirm the meaning and value of grand unity through inclusive appointments will continue."

In response to a question about whether the withdrawal of the nomination undermines the significance of unity, Hong replied, "The nominee simply could not assume the post because she did not meet the public's expectations and moral standards." He continued, "The President remains committed to appointing individuals with expertise from all walks of society, not just from one particular political camp, in pursuit of unity."

When asked if there was an intention to again consider a conservative figure as the new nominee, Hong answered, "We will always take social integration into account when making appointments," and clarified, "Since the position of Minister of Planning and Budget is meant to be an integrative one, it should not be interpreted as a role reserved exclusively for someone from the conservative camp."

However, Hong declined to specify whether any particular allegation was the decisive reason for the withdrawal, stating, "The nomination was not withdrawn due to any single specific issue."

Since being nominated as Minister of Planning and Budget, Lee Hyehoon has faced controversy over alleged abuse of staff, verbal misconduct, and suspicions of irregular apartment applications in Banpo, Seoul. She apologized for the abuse and verbal misconduct, admitting her behavior was immature, and explained that the real estate speculation and irregular application allegations were not related to tax evasion and were due to issues in her son and daughter-in-law's marriage, not an attempt to secure an apartment.

On January 21, during a New Year's press conference, President Lee commented on the nominee, saying, "There do seem to be some issues. I did not expect such intense resistance. I think this is something to keep in mind for future appointments."