South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has named veteran conservative politician Lee Hye-hoon as the country’s new budget minister, marking a notable cross-party appointment under his administration.

The presidential office confirmed the appointment on 28 December, saying Lee Hye-hoon, a former lawmaker from the opposition United Future Party, will oversee national budget planning amid sweeping government reforms.

In a statement following her appointment, Lee said her policy direction aligns with the president’s twin goals of accelerating economic growth while expanding social welfare programs.

President Lee has been vocal about restructuring key ministries, arguing that some departments wield excessive authority. Among his proposed reforms is the removal of budget-planning powers from the finance ministry, a move that has sparked debate among economists and policymakers.