DPK on Withdrawal of Lee Hyehoon’s Nomination: "We Humbly Accept... President’s Gesture of Unity Deserves High Praise"

Park Haecheol, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on January 25 regarding President Lee Jaemyung's withdrawal of the nomination of Lee Hyehoon as Minister of Planning and Budget, stating, "We humbly and sincerely accept the concerns of the public and the criticisms from civil society. Together with the government, we will work to establish even stricter and fairer standards for future appointments."

Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is attending the confirmation hearing of the Finance and Economy Planning Committee held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, responding to questions from members of the committee. 2026.1.23 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Spokesperson Park added, "The bold personnel decision and gesture of unity, in which the administration sought to entrust a key position overseeing the national budget to a politician who had served multiple terms as a lawmaker in conservative parties-transcending political orientation and partisan logic-deserves high praise, regardless of the candidate’s individual qualifications."

Regarding President Lee's withdrawal of the nomination, Park stated, "This decision is the result of careful deliberation, taking into account the seriousness of the various allegations that have been raised, the explanation process during the National Assembly confirmation hearing, the concerns expressed by all sectors of society, and, above all, the strict standards and emotional expectations of the public." He further assessed, "Nevertheless, the candidate was unable to sufficiently address the allegations to a level that would satisfy the public, and failed to dispel public concerns."

Park went on to say, "Behind the nomination of Lee Hyehoon was President Lee's sincere intention to open the door to national unity through a 'government for all,' especially in a society where social conflict has deepened due to illegal martial law and insurrection, by not favoring any one political camp." He concluded, "The Democratic Party will take this withdrawal of Lee Hyehoon's nomination as an opportunity to do our utmost to ensure that the values of national unity and stable governance are firmly established on the foundation of fairness and common sense."