Hong Hyein Insists on 'Retaining Assembly Seat'... Democratic Party Uncomfortable as Ruling Bloc Faces Increased Pressure

Over 70% Oppose the Nomination
Hong Vows to "Answer Only to the People"

During the period when President Lee Jaemyung was returning to Korea after his trip to France, there has been noticeable unease within the ruling party regarding the actions of Hong Hyein, Assemblywoman of the Basic Income Party, who expressed her determination to serve as Minister of Gender Equality and Family during a National Assembly press conference. Although Assemblywoman Hong, who has faced controversy due to various allegations, has chosen to confront the issues head-on, the political pressure is spreading to the President and the ruling party. The opposition is using the confirmation hearing proceedings to their advantage by escalating their attacks and including Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, in their criticism.

Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is responding to reporters' questions as she arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the morning of the 11th, nominee Hong Hyein arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office and stated, "I am well aware of the various opinions regarding my political decisions, and I take them seriously." However, when asked about holding both her proportional representative seat and the ministerial post at the same time, she avoided giving a concrete answer. Regarding accusations from the People Power Party about a so-called "family party" and "ghost office," she requested that "the facts be viewed fairly and objectively." She also commented on some calls for her resignation within the Democratic Party by saying, "It is unfortunate to see even some members of the Democratic Party being swept up in unfounded speculation and malicious agitation."

Opposition parties' attacks surrounding President Lee Jaemyung's second cabinet reshuffle have escalated into demands that the President withdraw his nominations of both nominee Hong and nominee Kim. Choi Boyoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, said, "Now it is President Lee Jaemyung's turn to make a final decision." Representative Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party also criticized Hong's press conference by posting on his social media that it was "a drunken rampage unfolded at the National Assembly in broad daylight."

Jeong Jeomsik, floor leader of the People Power Party, targeted nominee Kim with allegations of lobbying for clinical trials of new drugs during a party strategy meeting, stating, "The President chose nominee Kim in order to drop the prosecution, but nominee Kim has become a political landmine for the administration." Han Donghoon, Independent lawmaker, has also been openly releasing related audio recordings, further pressuring both nominee Kim to withdraw and President Lee Jaemyung to rescind the nomination. Nominee Kim explained, "At the time, everyone was doing their best to develop COVID-19 treatments."

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