Presidential Office to Continue Integration Efforts
Political Reactions Sharply Divided Along Party Lines
President Lee Jaemyung continued his efforts toward "integration" by making a surprise appointment of Lee Hyehoon, a figure from the conservative bloc, as head of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, but withdrew the nomination after just 28 days. President Lee plans to continue appointing figures from the conservative bloc as part of his commitment to broad national unity.
Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, stated during a briefing at the Chunchugwan on the 25th, "President Lee listened to a wide range of opinions from all sectors of society regarding the nominee and closely examined the public's evaluation following the confirmation hearing," adding, "After much deliberation and consideration, President Lee has decided to withdraw the nomination of the candidate." This decision appears to be based on the judgment that allegations surrounding the nominee-such as abuse and verbal harassment of aides, speculative land purchases in Yeongjongdo, irregularities in the application for an apartment in One Penthus, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and suspicions of preferential admission of the eldest son to Yonsei University-were not sufficiently addressed.
Despite the withdrawal of the nominee, President Lee intends to continue his path toward national integration by appointing figures from the conservative bloc. Senior Secretary Hong stated, "The President's commitment to integration remains unchanged, as he intends to broadly utilize individuals with expertise from all sectors of society, not just those from a particular political camp."
Political reactions were sharply divided along party lines. Park Haecheol, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a statement, "We humbly accept President Lee's decision to withdraw the nomination," but added, "The bold appointment and gesture of unity-entrusting a key position responsible for planning the national budget to a politician who has served multiple terms as a lawmaker in conservative parties, thereby transcending political orientation and factional logic-should be highly valued, regardless of the nominee's qualifications." He continued, "We clearly promise to work with the government to establish even stricter and fairer standards for future appointments."
In contrast, Shin Dongwook, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, stated at the Supreme Council meeting, "The nomination incident involving the former candidate was a disaster in personnel vetting, a mockery of the opposition, and an evasion of responsibility for state affairs," adding, "This personnel disaster should not end with the withdrawal of the nomination; the entire personnel line must be replaced."
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