Statement Released on Facebook Immediately After Nomination
Park Hong-geun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appearing on "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" held at The Asia Business Daily headquarters, being interviewed by specialist So Jongseop. Photo by Heo Younghan
Park Honggeun, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, stated on the 2nd, "With strong determination, I will serve as both the driving gear and lubricant that will power Korea’s great leap forward and support the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration."
Park made this statement in a post on Facebook shortly after his nomination was announced.
He first commented, "Being nominated as the inaugural Minister of Planning is a tremendous honor, but I am weighed down by the immense responsibility," emphasizing, "The Ministry of Planning under the Lee Jaemyung administration is not only responsible for the efficient allocation of the budget, but also plays a pivotal role in overseeing the nation’s mid- to long-term strategies."
He continued, "Since I personally designed the functions and status of the Ministry of Planning during my time on the Presidential Policy Planning Committee, I understand its importance better than anyone," adding, "I will fully present my capabilities and vision on various occasions."
On this day, President Lee Jaemyung nominated Assemblyman Park as the candidate for Minister of Planning. The ministerial post had been vacant since it was separated from the Ministry of Economy and Finance on February 2 of last month. Last December, President Lee had nominated former Assemblywoman Lee Hyehoon, who was formerly with the People Power Party, as a candidate for the post, but withdrew the nomination after various allegations, including irregularities in housing subscriptions, surfaced. Park’s nomination comes 36 days after the withdrawal of the previous candidate on January 25.
Born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Park graduated from Hyocheon High School in Suncheon and the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Kyung Hee University, where he also earned a master’s degree in public administration. He entered politics in 2007 as the spokesperson for the preparatory committee to establish the United New Democratic Party. After being elected as the representative for Jungnang-gu, Seoul in the 19th National Assembly, he has served four consecutive terms up to the 22nd National Assembly.
During his legislative career, he served as floor leader for the Democratic Party, overseeing parliamentary strategy as well as budget and legislative negotiations. He has also held major posts both inside and outside the party, including serving as chair of the planning division on the Presidential Policy Planning Committee, which functioned as a transition team for the Lee Jaemyung administration.
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