Confirmation hearing report adopted for SME minister nominee

A parliamentary committee in South Korea approved a confirmation hearing report on Tuesday for Lee So-young, the nominee for the position of Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), signaling her likely appointment. The report was adopted unanimously by the trade committee, though the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) expressed doubts about her suitability for the role due to lingering concerns over unresolved suspicions regarding her apartment purchase and her apparent lack of expertise in SME policies.

Despite these concerns, the PPP acknowledged that Lee had played a role in efforts to reduce excessive business regulations and engaged in various parliamentary activities to foster sustainable growth. Lee, a member of the ruling Democratic Party, was selected by President Lee Jae Myung as part of a Cabinet reshuffle in late August. She is recognized for her background as a climate and environmental lawyer.