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Lee Jae Myung Names Ex-Opposition Economist Lee Hye-hoon to Lead Revived Budget Ministry

Parliament will vet the nominee before the Ministry of Planning and Budget launches on Jan. 2, 2026.

Overview

  • The reestablished ministry will take charge of budget allocation and mid- to long-term economic strategy under the prime minister’s office.
  • The Ministry of Finance and Economy will serve as the government’s policy control tower under the new structure.
  • Lee Hye-hoon is a three-term former lawmaker from the conservative bloc with economics degrees from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. from UCLA.
  • Her record includes service on the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, as well as research work at the Korea Development Institute.
  • Her nomination requires a confirmation hearing, though the president can appoint her regardless, and related economic appointments included Kim Song-sik to the National Economic Advisory Council and Lee Kyung-soo to the National Science and Technology Advisory Council.