▲ Lee So-young, nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups
Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, refuted allegations on September 13 that she paid approximately 70 million won in legislative service fees to a consulting firm whose registered corporate address was vacant during her term as a 21st-generation lawmaker, stating that it was a "legal and normal service contract."
The personnel hearing preparation team for the nominee issued an explanatory statement that day, saying, "The nominee entered into the contract after reviewing the career and capabilities of the individual consultant operating the firm, rather than the location of the business."
According to the preparation team, the consultant has performed auxiliary tasks such as producing promotional materials necessary for elections and legislative activities since 2020, when Lee served as a freshman lawmaker.
The preparation team explained that Lee received promotional consulting necessary for legislative activities, such as analyzing and researching the policy environment of her constituency, from the firm between 2023 and 2025.
According to the preparation team, the contract periods were from September 2023 to March 2024 and from July 2024 to April 2025.
The preparation team added, "The scope of work was detailed in the contract, and payments were disbursed normally in installments based on the agreed periods for all work performed during the contract term," adding, "Receipts were also issued in the conventional manner."
They further claimed, "Reporting as if there were illegal acts in a legal and normal service contract is a clear falsehood."
Earlier that day, former Seoul Metropolitan Councilman Lee Jong-bae of the People Power Party announced that he would file a complaint against nominee Lee with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for alleged violations of the Political Funds Act.
The former councilman argued, "If approximately 70 million won in service fees was paid without actual services rendered or was overpaid, and if it was used for purposes unrelated to political activities, there is a possibility of a violation of the Political Funds Act."
It was reported that the firm explained that it had been unable to change its registered corporate address due to cost issues during the process of relocating its office.
The National Assembly confirmation hearing for nominee Lee is scheduled to be held on September 15.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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