Key facts
- Rep. Yong Hye-in withdrew her candidacy for gender equality minister.
- The ruling Democratic Party said it would "seriously" consider the controversy surrounding the nomination.
- Yong had intended to retain her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly.
- Under current law, lawmakers can serve in the Cabinet, but proportional representatives traditionally give up their seats.
- A Gallup Korea survey indicated 61% of respondents found Yong unfit for the job.
- A presidential official stated the nominee should be given a chance to explain herself during a confirmation hearing.
Rep. Yong Hye-in withdrew her candidacy for the position of gender equality minister in South Korea following significant controversy. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) stated it would "seriously" address the concerns raised about her nomination.
DP senior spokesperson Park Sung-joon announced the party leadership was urgently gathering assessments and views regarding Yong's nomination, emphasizing a commitment to considering the public's perspective. The controversy intensified after Yong reiterated her intention to keep her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly even if appointed to the Cabinet. While current law permits lawmakers to hold Cabinet posts, proportional representatives have customarily resigned their seats to join the Cabinet, allowing the next candidate on the list to take their place.
Yong, the sole lawmaker for the minor Basic Income Party, argued that her resignation would result in her party losing its parliamentary status. She faced criticism for this stance, as well as allegations of nepotism involving her husband and purported ties to a left-leaning underground political party.
A Gallup Korea survey released on the day of the announcement indicated that 61% of respondents believed Yong was unfit for the role, with only 13% deeming her suitable. A presidential official had previously suggested that the nominee should be allowed to explain herself during a confirmation hearing before a final decision on her appointment. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung echoed this sentiment, stating that Yong should have the opportunity to address the public, and that the presidential office was also monitoring public opinion.