President Lee Demands Budget Nominee Explain Martial Law Support

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday stated that his nominee for the new budget minister must clarify her past remarks in support of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unsuccessful martial law bid, a presidential spokesperson confirmed. Lee Hye-hoon, a veteran economist and three-term former lawmaker from the conservative camp, was named Sunday as the first minister of the soon-to-be-launched Ministry of Planning and Budget.

The appointment surprised many observers, as Lee Hye-hoon had previously backed Yoon’s martial law attempt, participated in rallies opposing his impeachment, and criticized President Lee’s expansionary fiscal policies and cash handout programs. Addressing the controversy, President Lee emphasized that she should clearly distance herself from these past positions, according to spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

“Different views need to be coordinated and better ideas developed through dialogue,” President Lee said, highlighting the need for constructive debate in shaping effective policies. The nominee will face a parliamentary confirmation hearing, although the president retains the authority to proceed with the appointment regardless of the outcome.

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The nomination has already sparked criticism from the main opposition People Power Party, which quickly removed Lee from party membership after the announcement. Critics accused her of accepting the ministerial post while still serving as chair of a party constituency committee in Seoul, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Under a government reorganization bill effective in January, the new Ministry of Planning and Budget will fall under the prime minister’s office. While the Ministry of Finance and Economy will act as the government’s policy control tower, the new ministry is tasked with budget allocation and shaping mid- to long-term economic strategy.

The controversy surrounding Lee Hye-hoon underscores the political sensitivity of appointments in South Korea, particularly when nominees’ past positions clash with current administration priorities, raising stakes for the confirmation process and public perception of government policy direction.

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