Amid Ongoing Allegations and Dual Position Controversy, Yong Hyein Steps Down... "My Apologies to the President" (Comprehensive)

Press Conference Held at National Assembly on 13th to Announce Withdrawal
Ongoing Controversy Over Party Operations and Past Activities
"Will Continue the Path Toward a Gender-Equal Society and Basic Income"

Yong Hyein, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee, has stepped down from her candidacy just two weeks after her nomination. The symbolism of being the first cabinet nominee born in the 1990s ultimately did not withstand the controversy over her concurrent roles as a lawmaker, a series of allegations, and negative public opinion.

Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hyein is leaving after finishing a press conference to voluntarily withdraw her candidacy at the National Assembly Press Center on September 13, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the morning of September 13, at the National Assembly Communications Office, Yong held a press conference to announce her voluntary withdrawal, stating, "I am grateful to the President for entrusting me with significant responsibilities based on his trust, and I apologize for not being able to fully accomplish that duty."

The core of the controversy that pressured Yong to resign was the collapse of trust surrounding power and organizational management. Her insistence on retaining her proportional representation seat in the Basic Income Party even after her appointment as minister broke with conventional practice and led to criticism over holding multiple offices. While the dual mandate is legally permissible, critics pointed out that considering political customs and the realities of running state affairs, it was "virtually impossible."

Various allegations related to Basic Income Party operations also increased pressure on Yong. She was recently reported to a civic group regarding the so-called "phantom city and provincial party" suspicion, which alleged that some local chapters listed apartment or farm addresses and received operational subsidies, including state funds. There was also suspicion that political donations, paid as special party dues, may have ended up as her spouse's salary.

Additionally, her past involvement in a confidential "underground organization" within a progressive party came back to haunt her. Testimonies from former colleagues revealed the existence of a discriminatory and hierarchical culture, including premarital chastity and anti-abortion education, and the condoning of sexual harassment remarks. Such revelations triggered an explosive debate about her qualifications to lead the ministry in charge of gender equality. Women's groups and opposition parties demanded the withdrawal of her nomination and her voluntary resignation, arguing that she was "unfit for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family."

Other issues, such as allegations about her family's use of VIP lounges at airports and videos filmed during the election period while wearing clothing displaying her party's name—issues that could be violations of the Public Official Election Act—added further complaints. As a result, the debate expanded beyond simple politics to concerns about the misuse of public funds and privileges.

Yonhap News Agency

Previously, on September 10, Yong held a press conference at the National Assembly Communications Office to systematically rebut the various allegations and controversies surrounding her, making it clear that she had no intention of stepping down. At that time, she emphasized that, in principle, the law allows a lawmaker to hold a concurrent cabinet post, and called on the political parties to set the schedule for her confirmation hearing.

However, after holding the press conference without prior consultation with the Presidential Office, public opinion worsened. Opposition to her appointment exceeded 70%, undermining her legitimacy as a nominee even before the hearing. Within the ruling party as well, sentiment grew that she should make a decision on her future in line with public expectations, which is believed to have led to her decision to voluntarily resign.

In particular, there was criticism that it was "inappropriate for a cabinet nominee" to explain herself directly without a confirmation hearing, and this was cited as a factor that further weakened internal trust.

On this day, Yong disclosed that the Democratic Party had asked her to make a decision, citing a lack of public consensus on serving as both a proportional representation lawmaker and a minister. She said, "Given that even the ruling party expressed concerns, I judged it would be realistically difficult to fulfill the role of a cabinet member." Cabinet ministers are expected to connect the National Assembly and the government organically and lead cooperation, but with negative assessments arising even inside the ruling party, she determined she could no longer properly fulfill her duties.

Having given up the ministerial role, she plans to continue her parliamentary activities as a member of the Basic Income Party. She stated, "I will continue unwaveringly on the path to a society of gender equality for all, on the path toward a Basic Income Korea," and pledged, "I will return to my original intentions and dedicate myself to legislative work with humility and maturity."

Meanwhile, at 4 p.m. on the same day, the Democratic Party, the government, and the Presidential Office were scheduled to hold a high-level party-government-presidency consultative meeting to discuss Yong's status. Kim Minseok, the leader of the Democratic Party, was to deliver the party's comprehensive position on the controversy surrounding Yong and, through coordination among the party, the government, and the presidency, was planning to determine the final course of action regarding her position.

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