Seoul: Budget Minister nominee Rep. Park Hong-keun, a seasoned four-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), has been selected to lead the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget. Known for his extensive experience in parliamentary budgetary matters, Park's nomination marks a significant step in the administration's focus on fiscal policy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Park was first elected to parliament in 2012 and has held prominent roles, including serving as a senior member and chairman of the parliamentary special committee on budgets and accounts. His close association with President Lee Jae Myung is notable, having served as the DP's floor leader in 2022 and 2023 during Lee's leadership of the party. In this capacity, Park played a pivotal role in overseeing budget negotiations and shaping the party's legislative strategies.

Following President Lee's assumption of office last year after a snap election, Park was appointed as the head of a planning subcommittee within the State Affairs Planning Committee, effectively acting as part of the new administration's transition team. His political journey began in 2007 when he entered the political arena as a spokesperson for the liberal Grand Unified Democratic New Party. Park holds a degree from Kyung Hee University in Seoul, further underscoring his academic and professional credentials.