Lee withdraws nomination for budget minister amid controversy over personal issues

▲ Lee Hye-hoon, nominee for the minister for planning and budget, attends her parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Jan. 23, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Lee-budget minister nominee

Lee withdraws nomination for budget minister amid controversy over personal issues

SEOUL, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has decided to withdraw his nomination for budget minister amid mounting controversy over the nominee's personal issues, a presidential official said Sunday.

Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee to lead the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget, has been accused of various wrongdoings, including suspicious real estate dealings involving her family and her alleged mistreatment of subordinates.

"President Lee decided after deliberation and serious reflection to withdraw his nomination of Lee," Hong Ihk-pyo, the senior presidential secretary for political affairs, said during a press briefing.

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