Kim Jae-won "No answers to supplementary budget questions... All responsibility lies with the government, the Democratic Party, and Hong Nam-ki"

Sim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, and Kim Jae-won, chairman of the Policy Committee, are giving a briefing after a closed supreme council meeting at the National Assembly on the 24th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung and Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jae-won, chairman of the Special Budget and Accounts Committee from the United Future Party, made a public inquiry during the supplementary budget review, but said the government did not respond within the allotted time, stating, "All responsibility lies with the government, the Democratic Party, and Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki."

Chairman Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly that day, saying, "I made at least 22 inquiries to Hong Nam-ki (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance) for the supplementary budget review," adding, "I requested a direct report by 10 a.m. on the 24th, but Deputy Prime Minister Hong did not contact me at all. Around 8:49 p.m. yesterday, Second Vice Minister Koo Yoon-chul unilaterally sent a text message saying, 'We will report at 3 p.m. tomorrow,' and there has been no further communication. This morning, he did not appear at the scheduled time."

He continued, "Yesterday evening, the Ministry of Economy and Finance released materials indicating acceptance of the Democratic Party's position regarding disaster relief payments, and there was even a report about Deputy Prime Minister Hong's resignation," criticizing, "Is something wrong with the Moon Jae-in administration? The treasurer says there is no money, yet the ruling party, trying to gain votes in the general election, is trying to empty the nation's treasury."

Chairman Kim also said, "The Democratic Party, which is trying to pass the supplementary budget bill, should at least provide the minimum materials necessary for budget review," and warned Minister Hong sternly, "All responsibility lies with the Moon Jae-in administration, the Democratic Party, and Minister Hong. Until the end of my term, I will fulfill my duties as chairman of the Budget and Accounts Committee without any negligence, in accordance with the Constitution and legal provisions."

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