Jung Ho-young "Did Not Deviate from Public Expectations" ... Son's Re-examination Results to Be Released Today

by Jo Inkyung

Published 21 Apr.2022 10:18(KST)

Updated 21 Apr.2022 10:41(KST)

"Morally and Ethically Without a Single Shame"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, claimed that the ongoing allegations related to his children have not deviated from the "public's standards."

On the morning of the 21st, as Jeong arrived at his office in the National Pension Service building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, he told reporters, "There was no illegality, but if the public's standards are based on moral and ethical criteria, I can stand proudly even by those standards."

Regarding calls for his voluntary resignation not only from the ruling party but also the opposition, he dismissed them by saying, "I will respond by saying that there is not a single point of shame even by moral and ethical standards."

When asked about allegations concerning his son's military service, he said, "We have disclosed my son's past medical records to the medical institution, and an examination is currently underway," adding, "Once the results are out, they will be disclosed immediately. The results will probably come out today."

In this regard, a Ministry of Health and Welfare official stated, "We expect to announce the results either this afternoon or tomorrow morning," and added, "Along with the examination results, we will also disclose the name of the hospital that reviewed the previous medical records."

Before answering questions, Jeong said, "Our people are great. We have the world's 10th largest economy, and the pride of our people is the best in the world," adding, "I want to create a country where these people can quickly overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and receive excellent treatment equally whenever and wherever they get sick or injured."

He continued, "I want to build a welfare state where parents can give birth and raise children with peace of mind, where women and youth can demonstrate their abilities in numerous good jobs, where the elderly can plan a healthy and happy old age, and where people with disabilities are no longer seen as beneficiaries of aid but as dignified holders of rights recognized by all of us," and added, "Please help me fulfill this mission."