Jeong Eun-kyeong, the Minister of Health and Welfare nominee, noted on the 30th regarding the ongoing legislative conflict lasting 1 year and 4 months, "The biggest issue is distrust," and emphasized that "restoring trust and cooperation with the medical community is urgent." Jeong made these remarks to reporters while arriving at the personnel hearing preparation office in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the morning.
Jeong served as the head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency during the Moon Jae-in administration, leading the response against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this presidential election, she was the chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's election strategy committee and became the first nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare in the Lee Jae-myung government. As a candidate with a medical background, Jeong will need to address the legislative conflict immediately upon taking office.
Jeong said, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and mission being appointed as the Minister of Health and Welfare during such challenging times of legislative conflict, super-aging, and deepening polarization," adding, "I will do my best to strengthen the healthcare reform that incorporates the voices of the public and the medical community and to enhance the social safety net for all citizens in order to protect their health and happiness."
Regarding Yoon Suk-yeol's government healthcare reform, Jeong remarked, "There are many accumulated issues within the medical community," and expressed her hope that "we could create a comprehensive and sustainable healthcare reform plan that addresses the issues of medical personnel." When asked whether she would consider exceptional measures for the return of residents before resignation, she replied, "Since resident recruitment is scheduled for September, time may be limited," adding, "I will listen to the opinions of the residents and review viable return options well."
Regarding the Lee Jae-myung government's policy to strengthen public healthcare, she stated, "Everyone would agree on the direction to strengthen regional, essential, and public healthcare." Jeong also mentioned her spouse's suspected holding of COVID-19-related stocks, saying, "I will explain it to the public at the hearing."