Gender Equality Minister Nominee Yong Hye-in Withdraws Following Controversy

Rep. Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Gender Equality and Family Minister, announced her withdrawal from consideration on Sunday. Yong, the sole lawmaker of the Basic Income Party, made the announcement during a news conference at the National Assembly two weeks after being nominated by President Lee Jae Myung. The decision came before scheduled confirmation hearings and amid pressure from both the opposition and members of the ruling bloc.

The primary controversy centered on Yong's intention to retain her proportional representation parliamentary seat while serving in the Cabinet. While current law allows for concurrent service, it is customary for proportional representatives to resign their seats. Yong argued that her resignation would leave the Basic Income Party without parliamentary representation. Additionally, she faced allegations of nepotism regarding her husband, Park Ki-hong, and alleged ties to an underground left-leaning political group.

Center sources reported that the ruling Democratic Party requested a decision on her nomination as President Lee's approval ratings declined, particularly among voters in their 20s and 30s. Center-right coverage emphasized the internal friction within the ruling coalition, noting that Yong had expressed frustration with those she called malicious agitators before the Democratic Party adopted a tougher tone. The presidential office, which initially supported the confirmation process, eventually shifted to a more cautious stance, stating it was listening to diverse public voices.