Lee Hye-hoon vows full effort as planning minister nominee

Dec 29, 2025, 09:46 am

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Lee Hye-hoon, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, poses after being named by President Lee Jae-myung as the inaugural head of the new ministry on Dec. 28. / Presidential Office

Lee Hye-hoon, nominee for minister of the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget, said Sunday that the policy goals of the Lee Jae-myung administration are fully aligned with her own long-held views, pledging to do her utmost to fulfill the role.

“The Lee Jae-myung government’s national objectives — achieving both growth and welfare while securing sustainable development — are exactly the same as the principles I have upheld throughout my life studying and working on economic issues,” Lee said in a written statement. “I will do my best to faithfully carry out my responsibilities.”

Lee expressed strong agreement with President Lee’s personnel philosophy, which emphasizes appointing the most qualified individuals regardless of political background. “I deeply sympathize with the president’s stance that no one should be disadvantaged because of political orientation, and that capable people should be appointed no matter where they come from,” she said.

She described the Ministry of Planning and Budget as a key government body tasked with designing the nation’s future, stressing that solving economic and livelihood issues should transcend partisan and ideological divisions. “Economic recovery and public welfare are areas where cooperation is essential, regardless of political affiliation,” she said.

Lee also highlighted the gravity of the moment, saying growing conflict and polarization have become major obstacles to governance. “With a heavy sense of responsibility, I will devote everything I have studied and accumulated over my lifetime to revitalizing the economy and promoting national unity,” she said, adding that she would prepare diligently for her parliamentary confirmation hearing and serve the public and the country with full commitment.

Earlier in the day, President Lee named Lee — a three-term lawmaker from conservative parties including the former Grand National Party, Saenuri Party and United Future Party — as the first minister of the new planning and budget ministry, marking a rare bipartisan appointment.

Following the announcement, the People Power Party convened an emergency meeting and moved to expel Lee from the party after her nomination to the Lee Jae-myung administration.

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