President Lee Jae-myung, asked about the fate of Minister of Planning and Budget nominee Lee Hye-hoon at a New Year's press conference at the Blue House state guesthouse on the 21st, said, "I have not yet decided what to do," adding, "What is regrettable is that I wanted to have a chance to hear the nominee's account and then hear the public's judgment, but even that opportunity has been shut off."
Lee said, "I would like to hold the confirmation hearing even now, but I don't know if that will be possible," adding, "I will take time and make a judgment."
Lee also acknowledged that the Blue House vetting system has its limits. Lee said, "This is someone who received party nominations five times, was elected to the National Assembly three times, and never had any issues raised," adding, "But if they attack as if punishing a traitor based on information only they know, it is hard for us to know."
Lee said, "Before being elected, a president is clearly the representative of one camp, but from the moment of election, the president must represent everyone," adding, "Because conservative values matter in the economy, I sought to hear a range of voices, but I did not expect to face such fierce resistance."