Minister nominee for the Ministry of Planning and Budget Lee Hye-hoon said on the 23rd, "While living as a one-eyed person fixated on results, I failed to properly see that I hurt precious colleagues."
Lee said this while appearing at a confirmation hearing held by the Strategy and Finance Committee at the National Assembly that day, adding, "I deeply repent." When it became known only last month that in 2017, when Lee was a lawmaker, Lee verbally abused an intern employee by saying, "I really wish I had killed you," Lee apologized.
Lee said, "Since being nominated as Minister nominee for the Ministry of Planning and Budget, there have been various criticisms about my shortcomings," adding, "I sincerely apologize to everyone hurt by my immature words and actions."
Lee added, "I once again apologize for having stood in a position of a wrong judgment that makes it hard to avoid criticism that I sided with insurrection." Lee continued, "I clearly acknowledge that the very fact that I failed to immediately admit my wrongdoing and let as long as one year pass in hesitation and silence—that this late apology itself—is yet another mistake."
Lee said, "By achieving growth and welfare simultaneously and establishing a foundation for sustainable growth, I will support the realization of a community in which fundamental rights are guaranteed." Lee added, "I will use the fiscal budget as priming water for growth while also securing fiscal sustainability to build a virtuous cycle," and "By concentrating investments in core areas critical to the nation's survival, I will lay the groundwork for a major economic leap."
Lee added, "Today I will be rigorously vetted on my capability and qualifications from the public's point of view."