Minister Park Hong-geun of the Ministry of Planning and Budget said on the 2nd, "We will build a system in which employees' efforts and performance are properly recognized and rewarded."
On the morning of the 3rd, in the first expanded senior staff meeting presided over since taking office, the Minister said accordingly, "I extend special thanks to the Budget Office employees who worked so hard on the supplementary budget that they were 'bleeding from the nose.'"
The Minister emphasized, "Since I have been designing the role and direction of the Ministry of Planning and Budget from the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning, I took on the ministerial post with a resolve to 'untie the knot I tied,'" adding that as the inaugural minister, Park will do her utmost to establish the organization's identity and role.
Regarding organizational culture, Park set out three directions: ▲ bold reduction of unnecessary procedures and formalistic tasks ▲ creating a smart work environment using digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies ▲ establishing a candid communication culture unconstrained by rank, saying, "We will build an organization where employees can work with a sense of belonging and pride, with real enthusiasm."
As principles for carrying out future work, Park proposed performance focus, speedy execution, and strengthened communication. The Minister said, "The tasks assigned to the Ministry of Planning and Budget are difficult issues that require coordination of interests and structural change," but added, "Because these tasks cannot be put off, it is the Ministry of Planning and Budget's duty to take the lead and resolve them."
Park also said, "As Korea now stands at a crossroads of great transformation, we must respond swiftly and break through," adding, "For obstacles that arise during implementation, communicate actively with the Minister and resolve them together."
On the immediate issue of the war-related supplementary budget, Park pressed for swift passage by the National Assembly and execution immediately upon passage. Park said, "Starting with President Lee Jae-myung's policy speech the previous day, the National Assembly's schedule is packed," adding, "In communication with the National Assembly—such as submitting materials and responding to deliberations by standing committees and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts—we must show a more proactive and diligent change than before." Park continued, "Since the actual policy effect of the supplementary budget depends on execution speed, thoroughly check the prior procedures and preparations so that execution is possible immediately upon the National Assembly's approval."