Budget minister nominee likely to face confirmation hearing later this week

By Lee Hugh Posted : January 22, 2026, 09:35 Updated : January 22, 2026, 09:45
Lee Hye Hoon, nominee for minister of the Office of Planning and Budget, answers reporters’ questions as she arrives at her hearing-prep office in Seoul on Monday.
Lee Hye-hoon, nominee to head the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget speaks to reporters in Seoul on Jan. 20, 2026. Yonhap
SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - A confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, nominee to head the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget, is likely to be held later this week.

The hearing, which was supposed to be held earlier this week, could not take place as the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) boycotted it, citing her failure to submit all requested documents.

Once she submits them, the hearing could take place on Friday as the ruling and opposition parties tentatively agreed.

The three-term lawmaker from the conservative party has faced mounting pressure to step down, as a string of allegations surfaced shortly after President Lee Jae Myung tapped her late last month.

The allegations include tantrums against subordinates, exposing her anger management problems, as well as suspicious real estate dealings and alleged special treatment of her son during his mandatory military service.
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