[Editorial] Yong Hyein Must Choose: Minister or Lawmaker

The "Yong Hyein controversy" is shaking up the political landscape. Yong Hyein, a lawmaker from the Basic Income Party and the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is facing a deluge of criticism. The situation has escalated to the point where not only the main opposition People Power Party but also the Justice Party and women's organizations are raising their voices. Even before her expertise could be verified, her unusual stance of refusing to relinquish her parliamentary seat has sparked public anger. Criticism has also arisen within the ruling bloc, with Park Sunwon, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "It is only right for her to resign from her proportional representative seat," and former emergency committee chair Park Jihyun commenting, "If she wants to take responsibility for gender equality values, she should let go of one of the rice cakes in her hands." The presidential office's earlier explanation, describing her as "a young, two-term lawmaker who has been a clear voice for the socially disadvantaged," now rings hollow. The presidential office, which hoped for a change in mood with the cabinet reshuffle, is now visibly troubled.

Yong's reasoning for holding on to her proportional representative seat is that if she, as the only lawmaker from her party, resigns, the Basic Income Party would become an extra-parliamentary party, facing significant hardships. Since extraparliamentary parties lose access to state subsidies, the logic is understandable. Furthermore, holding dual positions is not illegal; Article 29 of the National Assembly Act stipulates exceptions to the prohibition on dual office, specifically allowing lawmakers to serve as Prime Minister or other government ministers.

However, the problem with Yong's stance is not strictly a legal one. The public has no obligation to accommodate the circumstances of the Basic Income Party. She already served twice as a proportional representative through the loophole of "satellite parties" and has now been nominated as a cabinet minister, yet she insists on retaining her existing privileges. The public questions whether this behavior is befitting of "the youngest ministerial nominee in her 30s." As Seo Yongju, Director of Mac Politics & Society Institute, put it, "She is being too greedy." There is a clear distinction between what is legally permissible and what is politically acceptable. If she chooses the ministerial position, relinquishing her lawmaker seat is in line with the principles of accountable politics.

Her expertise as a ministerial nominee also warrants closer scrutiny. According to an analysis by the office of Lim Jongdeuk, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, of the 116 bills sponsored by Yong during the 21st and 22nd National Assembly, not a single one fell under the jurisdiction of the Gender Equality and Family Committee. While the sheer number of bills sponsored does not solely determine expertise, it does raise legitimate questions. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate whether she has a balanced perspective and the capabilities required to address gender issues.

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