Park made the remarks at a press briefing at the provincial government press center, saying that if Lee receives a “fit” ruling at the hearing, “we will of course accept it as is.” She added that she hopes the appointment is “highly praised for its continuity with the previous eighth-term projects.”
Park Frames the Appointment as Continuity, Not Change
Park said cultural and tourism work has a rhythm that does not fit neatly into a single year, and that some plans pushed under the previous administration had not yet produced full results. If Lee passes the hearing and is appointed, she said, she expects the eighth-term cultural and tourism policies to continue without disruption.
“There is no reason the eighth and ninth terms’ cultural and tourism policies should differ in essence,” Park said. She added that she expects Lee to combine that continuity with her own ninth-term goal of building “stay-type tourist destinations through the night economy.”
Journalist Transitions to Leadership Role
Lee is a journalist-turned-executive. He worked at the Dong-A Ilbo and Channel A from 1992 to 2023, rising to bureau chief-level posts, according to Baekje News.
Lee was appointed foundation CEO on July 31 of last year under former Governor Kim Tae-heum of the eighth locally elected administration, but left the post before completing his term when the ninth administration took office under a related ordinance.
A “Model Case” of Practical Personnel Practice
Park said that even though Lee was appointed during the previous governor’s term, accepting the council’s opinion from a practical standpoint and moving ahead with provincial governance without delay would make this a “model personnel case.”
The confirmation hearing’s outcome now determines whether Lee returns to the foundation’s top post — a decision Park has said she will respect either way.
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