Yong Hyein's Dual Roles Raise Pressure for Ruling Party... Opposition Launches All-Out Offensive over Cabinet Reshuffle

Yong Hyein Faces Controversy Over Dual Roles as Minister Nominee and Lawmaker
Kim Minseok: "I Understand the Concerns... Reflecting Deeply"
Opposition Urges Resignation, Citing "Classic Case of Leftist Hypocrisy"

Hyein Yong, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is arriving at the hearing preparation office set up in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on the party's official YouTube channel on the 3rd and commented on the controversy surrounding Hyein Yong, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, saying, "I have heard the significant concerns and criticism, and I am reflecting on them deeply myself. The various voices and judgments of the people deserve respect in themselves, and we need to consider them carefully."

While nominee Yong has stated, "I will prepare thoroughly for the hearing and address the issues there," the controversy is spreading not only within the opposition but also to the ruling party. The issue centers on performing ministerial duties while retaining her seat as a proportional representation lawmaker.

Within the Democratic Party, opinions led by Executive Committee member Park Sunwon have been publicly raised that she should step down from her proportional representation seat. On the other hand, some argue that since it is legally permissible to hold both positions, demanding that the nominee resign is unnecessary. The problem is that the controversy surrounding Assemblywoman Yong has expanded to women's groups and civic organizations, in addition to ongoing scrutiny from the opposition regarding her past activities as a civic activist.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, directly criticized at the Supreme Council meeting on the 3rd, stating, "Nominee Yong is not simply a single proportional representative lawmaker or the leader of the Basic Income Party, but an embodiment of left-wing hypocrisy and business practices."

Assemblyman Yoon Sanghyun commented, "If a politician who has enjoyed privileges in 'Honey Joseon' is presented as a representative of youth before the young people who have endured 'Hell Joseon,' those youths will feel as if they've been deceived by political profiteers." Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo added, "If her intention to hold both positions was known in advance, this is collusion tainted by privilege; if not, it is incompetence that ignores the public's standards."

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