Nomination Context and Upcoming Parliamentary Hearing Lee Hye‑hoon was named by President Lee Jae‑Myung to lead the newly created Ministry of Planning and Budget, a surprise move that sparked criticism from both ruling and opposition parties [1]. The opposition demanded her resignation over allegations that her husband engaged in real‑estate speculation and that she mistreated subordinates and an intern while serving as a lawmaker [1]. She is scheduled to appear before the parliamentary confirmation committee later this month [1].

Expert Panel Composition and Key Participants On January 6, Lee convened a meeting with six fiscal specialists to discuss future budget policy [1]. Among the attendees was Kang Byung‑koo, an economics professor at Inha University, who joined five other academics and researchers with expertise in fiscal management [1]. The panel’s purpose was to provide policy recommendations ahead of Lee’s confirmation hearing [1].

Consensus on Proactive Fiscal Policy to Ease Public Hardships The experts agreed that fiscal policy should adopt a more proactive stance to mitigate hardships faced by citizens during a structural economic transition [1]. They emphasized using budget tools to address near‑term social and economic strains, signaling support for targeted fiscal interventions [1]. Their recommendations aimed to help solidify economic recovery and reduce polarization [1].

Lee’s Stated Fiscal Philosophy and Response to Unprecedented Conditions Lee described both domestic and external environments as “unprecedented and pressing,” arguing that fiscal policy must act as a catalyst for growth [1]. She reiterated her long‑standing belief that fiscal policy must faithfully fulfill its role when most needed, framing the meeting as part of her broader commitment to deploy fiscal measures at critical moments [1]. Lee positioned proactive budgeting as essential to raising potential growth and easing public difficulties [1].