Candidate Jo Gyu-hong, "More Efficient Welfare Policy Design Possible as Former Ministry of Economy and Finance Official"

Minister of Health and Welfare Nominee Confirmation Hearing
On Concerns of Lack of Expertise: "I Will Explain Through Achievements After Taking Office"

Health and Welfare Minister nominee Cho Kyu-hong is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 27th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Cho Gyu-hong, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare (photo), directly refuted the criticism that he is a 'non-expert in welfare from the Ministry of Economy and Finance' and expressed confidence, saying, "I will show results through efficient policy design and budget securing."

At the parliamentary confirmation hearing on the 27th, in response to Justice Party lawmaker Kang Eun-mi's question, "There are concerns that if a former Ministry of Economy and Finance official becomes the Minister of Health and Welfare, it might lead to a dark age for welfare," Cho said, "I understand there are such concerns, but I think they are misunderstandings. Being from the Ministry of Economy and Finance allows me to design policies from a more macro and long-term perspective."

He added, "Even if we carry out the same projects, we can save budget and operate more efficiently, and I believe I can better secure the necessary budget by utilizing personal networks."

Cho has spent over 30 years in public service, mostly working in budget and finance sectors such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Planning and Budget Office. During the 20th presidential election, he served as the Budget Adjustment Subcommittee Chair of the People Power Party’s Central Election Committee, and after the election, he worked as a specialist in the Economic Division 1 of the Presidential Transition Committee. Following the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, he was appointed as the first Vice Minister of Health and Welfare in May and was nominated as the Minister of Health and Welfare on the 7th of this month.

When Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Min-seok asked, "Can you acknowledge that your expertise in the health and medical field is weaker compared to previous nominees like Jeong Ho-young, a doctor, and Kim Seung-hee, a pharmacist?" Cho responded, "I believe I have gained experience and built expertise in health and welfare through various channels while handling financial affairs for 30 years."

In response to People Power Party lawmaker Choi Yeon-sook’s question, "Please tell us your strengths that can dispel concerns about your expertise," Cho emphasized, "Working in finance for a long time teaches you the ability to coordinate numerous demands and interests. I have done a lot of coordination." He added, "There are many professional organizations in the health and welfare sector, and conflicts are said to be severe, but I will demonstrate my coordination skills and supplement any shortcomings by listening to experts and field opinions."

When Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-seok mentioned concerns that "since Cho’s appointment, it seems like the Ministry of Economy and Finance is dominating everything," Cho rebutted, "I do not agree." He explained, "I have worked in financial affairs for the past 30 years, during which I have dealt with many welfare issues and conducted extensive research on key matters. I hope you take that into consideration."

Regarding Seo’s criticism that "the nominee is neither a welfare nor health expert and is ultimately seen by the public as an economic expert close to Yoon’s inner circle," Cho stressed, "There seem to be many misunderstandings, but I will strive to explain through achievements once I take office."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.