In Response to 'Zero SME Ministry Bills' Criticism... Nominee So Young Lee Says, "My Understanding of the Budget Is the Highest"

Emphasizing the Role of SMEs and Startups in National Growth Strategy

Nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups So-young Lee refuted criticism regarding her lack of sponsorship of core bills under the purview of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups during her term in the National Assembly, stating that legislative efforts for SMEs and startups cannot be determined solely based on whether she sponsored bills directly overseen by the ministry.

During a back briefing held after a tea meeting at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of September 4, Lee said, "The laws that genuinely cause challenges and affect SMEs and startups are scattered across all government ministries. Therefore, not having sponsored bills under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups does not mean that no legislative efforts for SMEs and startups were made."

Earlier, Choi Sujin, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, analyzed the 51 bills Lee sponsored in the 21st National Assembly and 36 in the 22nd, and pointed out that she had not sponsored any core bills such as the Framework Act on Small Enterprises, Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises, or the Act on Special Measures for the Promotion of Venture Businesses, all of which fall under the purview of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

SoYoung Lee, nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, is greeting KiMoon Kim, Chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, on the 4th at Yeouido Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. 2026.9.4 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Lee then presented specific legislative achievements. She said, "I sponsored and passed a bill to ease the burden faced by SMEs in intellectual property disputes. As the ruling party's secretary on the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, I also directly reviewed and led all budget projects of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups." She added, "My understanding of the Ministry’s budget activities is higher than that of any other lawmakers."

Lee, who has previously called herself the ‘Minister for Regulatory Reform’, also expressed her views on regulatory reform. She said, "Regulatory reform does not mean abolishing all regulations. Just because it is regulatory reform does not mean we can remove traffic lights from roads." However, she made it clear that she intends to revise regulations that fundamentally block attempts to launch new products, services, or businesses. Lee emphasized, "The core of regulatory reform is to prevent situations where new attempts are blocked by regulations."

She also shared her vision for future policy directions. Lee stressed that the roles of SMEs and startups must be clearly defined within national growth strategies such as the three major mega projects, the seven key seeds, and the 5-pole 3-niche growth engines being promoted by the government.

Lee stated, "We need to thoroughly consider where and what roles SMEs and startups can play, and what support and special measures are necessary for them to fulfill those roles. If appointed as Minister, I will discuss and deliberate these matters together with all related ministries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.