Park studied the issue of poverty and social welfare for over three decades in academia.[1] With his appointment, President Moon completed formation of his first cabinet in 2017. As of 2020, he is leading one of three ministries in which the head has not changed since Moon's presidency began, along with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and TransportKim Hyun-mee and Foreign MinisterKang Kyung-wha.[2]
On December 2, 2019, Health Minister Park made controversial remarks on a child-on-child sexual abuse case in which a five-year-old girl was sexually abused by another five-year-old boy. Park said that it was "natural behavior over the stages of development", appearing to side with the perpetrator, causing a public outcry.[6] The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare apologized to the victim, her family and others hurt by Park's remarks, on behalf of the minister.[7][8][9][10]
On February 26, 2020, Park Neung-hoo's remarks caused controversy when he blamed South Korean nationals for the spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus, saying that "the biggest cause is us Koreans who entered from China".[11][12] Park also claimed that the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases had not suggested an entry ban on infected countries, which was incorrect.[13][14] Opposition lawmakers suggested that President Moon Jae-in fire Park as a result.[15]
