Yong Hye-in, the nominee for the Gender Equality Family Ministry, voluntarily resigned just 14 days after her nomination amid various controversies, marking a continuation of the troubling history of ministerial appointments that began during the previous Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
According to political sources on the 13th, Yong is the third nominee to withdraw from consideration for the Gender Equality Family Ministry in the past three years, following Kim Haeng and Kang Sun-woo.
Just three days prior, Yong had expressed her determination to confront the various allegations against her. However, as calls for her to make a decision grew even within the ruling party, she ultimately chose to resign.
In an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly, Yong stated, "I believe that stopping here is necessary to continue the spirit of solidarity within the Democratic Party and the Basic Income Party," adding, "I would like to resign from my position as minister nominee as of today."
She emphasized, "I accepted the nomination to realize gender equality for all and remain committed to resolving any remaining allegations through the confirmation hearing."
However, she explained her resignation by stating, "I received a message from the Democratic Party to consider the lack of public consensus regarding the dual roles of a proportional representative and a minister. Given the concerns expressed within the ruling party, I concluded that it would be practically difficult to serve as a cabinet member."
Yong faced various controversies, including issues related to her spouse and the operation of the Basic Income Party, immediately after her nomination on August 30.
In this context, Yong held an emergency press conference on the 10th. Contrary to expectations that she would resign, she asserted that holding both a National Assembly seat and a cabinet position is legally permissible and actively refuted the allegations against her.
However, public sentiment worsened following the press conference, and opposition parties and civic groups intensified their backlash. As voices within the ruling party also called for her to make a decision, she ultimately changed her stance.
This is not the first time the appointment of a Gender Equality Minister has faced difficulties. The situation dates back to 2023 when Kim Hyun-sook, the then Minister of Gender Equality, resigned in September due to the fallout from the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree.
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated Kim Haeng, a former emergency committee member of the People Power Party, as her successor. However, Kim faced moral controversies, including allegations of stock parking, during the confirmation process and ultimately resigned. This led to an unusual situation where Kim Hyun-sook continued to perform her duties despite having already submitted her resignation. Her resignation was only accepted in February of the following year, and the Yoon administration operated the ministry under the acting leadership of Shin Young-sook without appointing a new minister.
After the change of administration, there was hope for a turnaround when President Lee Jae-myung nominated Kang Sun-woo, a member of the Democratic Party, as the Gender Equality Minister in June of last year, suggesting that the prolonged vacancy of leadership lasting about 1 year and 4 months would be resolved.
However, Kang also faced serious allegations during the confirmation process, including accusations of mistreatment of aides and false explanations. Although she went through the confirmation hearing, the controversies did not subside, and in July of last year, she stated, "I apologize to the public for any distress I may have caused," and stepped down from her nomination.
Subsequently, the government nominated Won Min-kyung, a former non-permanent member of the National Human Rights Commission, as the new candidate. Won was appointed as the Minister of Gender Equality in September of last year, effectively ending the long leadership vacancy that had lasted approximately 1 year and 7 months. Following the ministry's expansion and reorganization into the Gender Equality Family Ministry on October 1 of last year, Won became the first minister of the newly established ministry.
Now, with Yong's failure to pass the confirmation hearing, the government faces the burden of seeking another new minister candidate.
Political analysts predict that the ongoing series of withdrawals will complicate the search for a successor. The recent resignations of candidates believed to have a high chance of passing the confirmation hearing, such as Kang Sun-woo and Yong Hye-in, have led to assessments that the so-called 'incumbent lawmaker's unbeaten streak' has been officially broken in the context of the Gender Equality Ministry appointments.
Given the turmoil surrounding Yong's nomination, the Blue House is expected to exercise caution in selecting the next candidate. As a result, the Gender Equality Family Ministry is likely to continue under Won's leadership for the time being.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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