Candidate Jeong Ho-young, "Never Mentioned Voluntary Resignation" ... Repeatedly Denies Allegations Regarding Children

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, reiterated that he has no intention of resigning, saying he has "never discussed" his position with the political circles.

On the morning of the 22nd, as Jeong arrived at his office set up in the National Pension Service building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, he responded to reporters' questions about the possibility of voluntary resignation by saying, "I have never discussed that."

When asked by reporters whether the People Power Party is considering Jeong's "voluntary resignation," Jeong replied, "I do not know about political matters. I am not a politician and have never belonged to any party in my life."

Regarding various allegations surrounding himself and his children, he said, "There were no illegal acts, and I am morally and ethically upright," adding, "I am also saddened as to what more I should say."

Jeong also addressed the police investigation into preferential treatment for his children, stating, "I will cooperate with the investigation," but when asked if he would resign if the allegations were proven true, he rebutted, saying, "(The allegations) are not true."

Jeong announced the results of a re-examination conducted on April 20-21 at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, regarding his son's military service evaluation, explaining, "It was confirmed to be the same result as the Grade 4 evaluation in April 2015."

On this day, Jeong once again emphasized regarding his son's military service allegations, "I believe it has been sufficiently verified. Please stop baseless allegations," and added, "I hope for a reasonable verification based on accurate facts." He further said, "If there is a medical expert recommended by the Democratic Party, I am willing to have them verify as well," expressing his willingness to provide his son's MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) data to medical experts.

Regarding the controversy over preferential treatment in his children's medical school transfers, he said, "I request that the Ministry of Education promptly initiate an investigation," and added, "If necessary, I will undergo the investigation myself and cooperate actively."

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