Nominee Yong Hyein: "Proving with Speed and Results... Aiming for Real Change in People's Daily Lives"

Yong Begins Preparation for Confirmation Hearing on September 2

"I Will Address the Issue of Retaining My Assembly Seat at the Hearing"

On the Abolition of Supplementary Investigative Powers: "I Will Listen Closely to Voices from the Field"

Yong Hyein, a lawmaker from the Basic Income Party who has been nominated as Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stated on September 2, "Gender equality is about whether we can all live safely and with dignity," and expressed her determination, saying, "I will prove myself not with words, but with results."

Yong Hyein, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, answers reporters' questions as she arrives at the hearing preparation office set up in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on September 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

On her first day commuting to her office set up at the National Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul for hearing preparations, nominee Yong outlined her commitment and policy direction as a ministerial candidate.

She recalled her experience of going to work with her child five years ago, saying, "It was a moment that made me deeply aware that what the public wants is real, tangible change in their everyday lives."

She emphasized, "Over the past year, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has restored its previously weakened policy foundation, and now is the time for speed and results. As a control tower overseeing gender equality, youth, and family policies, I will swiftly complete legislation and systems in cooperation with other ministries and the National Assembly."

Yong named tackling gender-based violence as her top priority, including digital sex crimes and intimate partner violence. She said, "When victims need the state's help, I will be the first to reach out. I will stand with them until they recover and return to daily life."

She also committed to "achieving workplace gender equality and successfully implementing the Employment Equality Disclosure System," emphasizing, "I will build a Korea where no one has to choose between work and life." She also announced her intention to strengthen protections so that youth can grow up safely amid the rapidly changing digital and AI environment.

Yonhap News

Regarding the abolition of the prosecutorial supplementary investigative powers, she acknowledged, "I am aware of the many concerns," and pledged, "Drawing on my experience in the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, I will listen carefully to voices from the field and work closely with relevant ministries to ensure that victims' rights are not infringed upon."

About the Life Partnership Act that she has promoted in the National Assembly, she explained, "Family forms are already diversifying," and added, "Through meeting people who are not protected under the current family system, I was able to draft this bill." She continued, "We will conduct research and investigations on the changing realities of families to facilitate smooth societal discourse, and widely gather feedback from civil society and religious communities."

She stated, "I will work to resolve the structural inequalities experienced by women while also fully hearing, publicizing, and reflecting the difficulties that men face in policy. Gender equality cannot be achieved by the efforts of one gender alone."

Regarding the issue of retaining her Assembly seat and personal allegations, she commented, "The hearing is a process of communication with the public," and added, "I will organize my thoughts during preparation and answer sincerely."

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