Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

President Lee aims for 'national unity' after budget minister nomination withdrawn

President Lee Jae Myung withdrew the nomination of Lee Hye-hoon for minister of the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget on Sunday, ending a nomination that faced mounting scrutiny.

2026-01-25

Budget minister nominee denies wrongdoing by son in housing lottery

Lee Hye-hoon, the minister of planning and budget nominee, denied allegations that her son attempted to appear single to gain an advantage in a housing lottery. She claimed her son’s relationship at the time had "deteriorated to its worst point."

2026-01-23

Rival parties spar over confirmation hearing for budget minister nominee

Rival parties clashed Monday over whether to hold a confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, nominee to lead the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget, amid objection from the conservative People Power Party.

2026-01-19

Budget minister nominee's reported assets 11 billion won more than she declared in 2016

Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee for the head of the to-be-established Ministry of Planning and Budget, recently reported 17.6 billion won in assets — more than 11 billion won higher than what she declared in 2016 during her time as a lawmaker.

2026-01-05

Finance minister nominee reported to police over workplace abuse while lawmaker

Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee for the inaugural minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has been reported to police over allegations of workplace abuse and verbal intimidation toward an intern during her time as a lawmaker.

2026-01-02

Nominee for budget planning minister pledges bold measures to support livelihoods

The nominee for the new minister of planning and budget said Monday the country's economy is facing a perfect storm, pledging bold budgetary measures to support people's livelihoods that she said will include "bold" government investments.

2025-12-29

Former conservative lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon nominated to head new Ministry of Planning and Budget

Former lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon, a figure from the conservative bloc, was nominated on Sunday to serve as the first minister of the to-be-established Ministry of Planning and Budget.

2025-12-28