People Power Party Confirms Kim Jung-jae as Candidate for Gender Equality Family Committee Chair

The People Power Party confirmed on July 30 that Kim Jung-jae, a three-term lawmaker, will be the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee in the 22nd National Assembly.

During a party meeting held at the National Assembly, Kim was unanimously endorsed as the sole candidate for the position. Kim Seung-soo, the party's floor operations chief, announced, "I declare that Kim Jung-jae has been elected as the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee."

Kim Jung-jae stated, "The Gender Equality Family Committee has a budget of only 2 trillion won, yet its work carries the weight of 200 trillion won. Our society has many marginalized groups, especially children in grandparent-headed households and out-of-school youth. Although we talk about gender equality, it is not being realized in practice."

She added, "The standards by which we can gauge our society are issues related to family and gender equality. I will do my best, even if I am lacking."

Kim also expressed concern about breaking the long-standing tradition of having a three-term lawmaker as chair, saying, "I hope we can continue this tradition well, and I will serve diligently." Previously, lawmaker Im I-ja had been confirmed as the candidate for the chair but stepped aside in favor of Kim.

During the meeting, Kwon Young-jin, who faced controversy after a physical altercation regarding committee assignments, publicly apologized. Kwon remarked, "The People Power Party is my political home and perhaps my entire life. The past week has been more painful due to my own feelings of shame and self-reproach than the ridicule and criticism from the world. I will strive to be a better politician, reflecting and being more self-disciplined."

He also stated, "I will sincerely engage in the ethics committee's disciplinary process and calmly await the results, hoping that my disciplinary issues do not become a source of conflict and division among lawmakers."

* This article has been translated by AI.