Jung Ho-young: "No Unfair Acts in Children's Transfer Admissions and Military Service... Will Undergo Thorough Investigation" (Comprehensive)

Health and Welfare Minister nominee Jeong Ho-young is holding a press conference to clarify allegations related to preferential treatment for his child's medical school transfer admission and military service corruption on the 17th at the auditorium of the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, reiterated that there were no improper actions regarding the allegations related to his child's medical school transfer and his son's military service. He also stated that he would undergo thorough verification by the National Assembly and the Ministry of Education.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Jeong held a press conference at the National Medical Center in Seoul and said, "The allegations raised since my nomination as minister are not based on facts, and there were no improper actions using my position regarding my child's medical school transfer or my son's military service evaluation, nor was it possible."

He continued, "The medical school transfer and military service procedures were conducted under processes that ensured maximum fairness, and there is no reason to doubt the fairness in the results revealed by objective data."

Regarding his child's volunteer activities, research paper achievements, and evaluation results related to the medical school academic transfer, he requested that the Ministry of Education conduct a thorough and swift investigation. He added that this request is not only about his family’s issues but also about restoring the honor of Kyungpook National University and Kyungpook National University Hospital.

Jeong explained, "The selection process was transparent, and the evaluations were fair. In the case of my daughter, the combined score of the first and second stages of the transfer screening was 27th out of 33 candidates, and my son ranked 7th out of 17."

He also stated, "The medical school academic transfer was temporarily allowed from 2017 to 2020 according to the Ministry of Education’s plan to adjust quotas for medical, dental, and oriental medicine schools. The special regional talent screening was requested by Daegu City, not by the hospital director. Kyungpook National University represents the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, so please consider whether my children necessarily had to attend other universities just because I work at that school."

Regarding allegations of preferential treatment in research participation, such as his son being listed as an author on two papers during his university years, he emphasized, "There was no personal relationship with the engineering college advisor at the time, and the advisor was unaware of the relationship between me and my son," denying any solicitation.

On the suspicion surrounding his son's 4th-grade supplementary military service evaluation, he said, "These rumors are spreading without substantial evidence," and added, "If the National Assembly designates a medical institution, my son will undergo re-examination and diagnosis there."

Regarding allegations of violating the Farmland Act related to rice paddies and fields located in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, he responded, "Some of the land was recently disposed of, but some belong to the clan’s land, so it is not something I can simply explain." About attending an alumni social gathering during a business trip to the U.S., he said, "The Kyungpook National University Medical School alumni general meeting is a place to express gratitude for scholarships, support for faculty research, and museum facilities, and to request continued support. I also consider this an important duty as a hospital director."

Jeong clearly stated that he has no intention of stepping down. He said, "If I assume the position of Minister of Health and Welfare, I will leverage my over 40 years of professional experience in regional medical fields and my experience responding to COVID-19 to achieve the public’s wish for a return to normal life and innovate the quarantine and medical systems to prepare for the reemergence of infectious diseases. However, if any improper issues related to me or my children are found even after my appointment, I will naturally accept corresponding measures (resignation)."

He also apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern to the public due to the raised allegations," and added, "I will provide more detailed explanations about all the allegations during the upcoming confirmation hearing, and above all, I will thoroughly explain my policy plans in the important field of health and welfare."

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