Concerns over the country’s fiscal discipline are growing, prompted by the nomination of four-term ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Park Hong-keun to lead the Ministry of Planning and Budget, market watchers said Tuesday. Many say the close aide to President Lee Jae Myung is largely expected to advance Lee’s expansionary fiscal drive, which includes the drafting of a supplementary budget, with long-term fiscal prudence potentially being undermined by short-term political objectives. Also concerning to some is the diminished power of Finance and Economy Minster Koo Yun-cheol, whose role overseeing broader macroeconomic policies and economic growth plans will be eclipsed by Park’s budget-backed agendas. “I will outline a sustainable fiscal policy to support the Korean economy, which is facing low growth, demographic challenges and widening inequality,” Park said before entering the site of his confirmation hearing in Seoul. Under his leadership, he added, the ministry will strengthen its long-term strategy, prioritizing future industries. “The ministry’s future