South Korea’s ‍President has withdrawn his nomination of Lee ​Hye-hoon to head the country’s newly created ‌Budget Ministry after she ​was accused of unlawful real estate investments and mistreating staff. The plan to appoint the former conservative party lawmaker was viewed as an attempt by President Lee Jae Myung ​to promote national unity with some ⁠cross-party appointments. Woo Sang-ho, a Presidential secretary, said in a televised address on Sunday (January 25, 2026) ‌that Lee Hye-hoon had not ‌lived up to the people’s expectations. “I once again apologize to everyone hurt by my immature words and actions,” ,Ms. ⁠Lee said. Woo said the search for a suitable candidate to lead the ministry could again involve people from the ⁠conservative party.

Source: The Hindu January 25, 2026 11:41 UTC