Seoul, Jan 19 (NationPress) On Monday, rival factions in South Korea engaged in a heated debate regarding the confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, the proposed leader of the newly formed Ministry of Planning and Budget. This disagreement arose amidst resistance from the primary opposition party, People Power Party (PPP).

Last week, an accord was reached between the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the PPP to conduct the hearing; however, the PPP later withdrew, claiming that the nominee had not provided essential documents requested by lawmakers, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

During an earlier meeting of the Strategy and Finance Committee, tensions escalated when lawmakers from the opposition voiced their dissatisfaction over Lee’s absence.

“What kind of confirmation hearing for a nominee is held without the nominee?” questioned DP Representative Kim Young-jin.

Members from smaller opposition parties also criticized the process, arguing that the committee should not move forward without ensuring all necessary documents were in place.

In response, Representative Lim Lee-ja of the PPP suspended the meeting and called for further discussions between the parties to determine the next steps regarding the hearing.

Lee, a former three-term lawmaker associated with the conservative faction, has faced backlash from both the ruling and opposition parties since her unexpected nomination by President Lee Jae Myung last month.

The opposition has called for Lee to resign, citing concerns related to her husband’s real estate transactions as well as allegations regarding her treatment of staff and an intern during her legislative tenure.

On January 6, Lee Hye-hoon convened a meeting with academics and researchers to solicit policy suggestions concerning future fiscal strategies, as stated by her confirmation hearing preparation team.

This meeting brought together six experts in fiscal management, including Kang Byung-koo, an economics professor at Inha University, who provided insights on fiscal operations and policy dilemmas.

During the discussion, the experts concurred that fiscal policy needs to adopt a more proactive stance to alleviate challenges faced by the public amid ongoing economic transitions.

Lee acknowledged that both domestic and global circumstances are presenting unprecedented challenges.

She emphasized the necessity for fiscal policy to become a driving force in fostering economic recovery, enhancing potential growth, and reducing polarization.

“It has been my steadfast belief that fiscal policy must effectively fulfill its role when it is most essential,” Lee was quoted as stating.

The meeting occurred at a time when Lee, a former conservative lawmaker, is under scrutiny from various political parties following her surprise nomination by President Lee Jae Myung.