President Lee on Park Jin-young’s appearance at audit: “I know it’s a lot to ask, but even if you feel disappointed, please keep working a little harder...”

[Financial News] On the 6th, President Lee Jae-myung urged Park Jin-young, co-chair of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee, who is set to appear as a witness at the National Assembly’s parliamentary audit: “I know it’s a lot to ask, but even if you feel disappointed, I hope you’ll put that aside and keep working a little harder so that K-pop and Korean culture can reach the world.”
That day, President Lee wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter: “On behalf of the people, I want to express my gratitude,” adding, “The Korean people and the cultural history of the Republic of Korea will remember your dedication and hard work, Mr. Park Jin-young.”
He also expressed his regret, saying, “You’re giving your time and paying expenses out of your own pocket, without compensation, and working so hard to promote Korea’s cultural exports. I feel deeply sorry that we haven’t been able to show you the respect you deserve.” He added, addressing the public, “I hope you’ll praise and encourage him, too.”
Park is scheduled to appear as a witness at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s parliamentary audit, which will be conducted on the 7th by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. He reportedly expressed his intention to attend in person.
Appearing on SBS Radio’s “Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show,” Park said, “I thought people would believe I was sincere when I said that ‘pursuing the public interest is my true purpose’ only if I appeared as a witness who could face perjury penalties, rather than as a person called to provide information.”
Responding to criticism that, contrary to the claim that he receives no compensation, he gets 2 million won a month in official-duty expenses, he said, “I didn’t know I was receiving it. I can return it, and that’s what I’d prefer to do.” He added that he was concerned it would become difficult to do the job if he refused the expenses: “If I don’t take them, the next person will be asked, ‘Park Jin-young didn’t take them, so why are you?’”
[email protected] Ahn Ga-eul Reporter