Jang Donghyuk Claims "Kim Hyunji Behind Yong Hyein's Nomination... Leftist Cartel Build-Up"

Questions Raised over Seo Yongjoo's Remarks: "Personnel Line is Kim Hyunji"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, asserted that the nomination of Yong Hyein as Minister of Gender Equality and Family may have been backed by Kim Hyunji, the First Secretary to the President at the Blue House.

Yong Hyein, Nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 5, Jang stated on his Facebook page, "I was puzzled when President Lee Jaemyung abruptly nominated Yong Hyein as minister," adding, "Yesterday, the reason came to light." He referred to remarks made by Seo Yongjoo, former deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, during an appearance on JTBC's YouTube broadcast, where Seo said, "Is there a personnel line in the Blue House? The personnel line is 'Kim Hyunji.'"

Jang further commented on Seo's statements, saying, "The conversations held before JTBC's YouTube broadcast were aired exactly as they were," and argued, "Since it could not be discussed on air, they must have spoken before the actual broadcast."

Regarding Kim Hyunji, Jang said, "She is at the center of 'Mansahyeontong' and is the so-called 'shadow power' in the Blue House," adding, "Not only her school background but even her hometown is shrouded in secrecy. There have even been claims regarding her alleged connection with the Gyeonggi Eastern Alliance." He continued, "Yong Hyein's nomination was no coincidence," and insisted, "It is the build-up of the leftist cartel led by Secretary Kim Hyunji."

On the controversy surrounding Yong Hyein's refusal to resign as a proportional representative lawmaker, Jang said, "Would the Blue House not have known? Secretary Kim Hyunji must have been aware," and went on, "Since it was a matter of protecting the 'organization,' she likely turned a blind eye." He added, "Yong Hyein does not seem likely to step aside easily. With a powerful figure supporting her from behind, she appears determined to hold out until the end," concluding, "Although this is frustrating, in a way it's a 'thank you.' Eventually, it will all collapse at once."

Screenshot of Jang Donghyuk, Leader of the People Power Party's Facebook page

Meanwhile, during the previous day's episode of JTBC's YouTube show "Genre Only Yeouido," Seo Yongjoo, head of the Mac Politics and Society Research Institute and former standing deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, remarked before the main broadcast, "I think the political affairs line needs to be reshuffled. The Blue House's political affairs line should rethink its approach." When a reporter commented, "I think it's the personnel line," Seo replied, "Is there a personnel line in the Blue House? The personnel line is Kim Hyunji."

As controversy spread over his remarks, Seo posted an explanation on Facebook, saying, "I am embarrassed that what I said as a light-hearted joke has been delivered with a different meaning," and added, "I regret that it could have led to misunderstandings contrary to my intentions."

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