Former Roh Moo-hyun Foundation chairman Yoo Si-min defended Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who stepped down as the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family due to allegations of mistreatment by her aides, stating, "The aides who were dismissed for not performing their duties are hiding behind anonymity and claiming mistreatment."
On the 10th, Yoo noted in a video posted on his YouTube channel "Yoo Si-min Fishing Academy" that "The controversy surrounding Representative Kang is truly nonsensical."
He said, "In the electoral district of Representative Kum Tae-seop (Gangseo-gap), Jeong Bong-joo was preparing, but Jeong Bong-joo had to quit because it didn't work out in the party. Then Representative Kang suddenly jumped in there without anything, going to a place where she had no ties and scooped it up," adding, "During the primary process, she must have received help from anyone. And then she suddenly became a member of the National Assembly."
He continued, "After that, it was initially a mess when putting together the aides, which is why there were many changes in the aides at first," and emphasized, "However, one or two among them messed up and couldn't do their jobs, so they were dismissed, and that was claimed to be mistreatment anonymously as if it was done in the background," stating, "That really makes no sense."
Yoo stated, "Even if the current aides or past aides say in interviews that they aren't involved in the mistreatment controversy, the articles don't come out," asserting, "There are many positive stories, but they aren't reported." Meanwhile, food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik, who appeared with him, added, "There are many positive stories, but those articles never come out."
Representative Kang was nominated as the first Minister of Gender Equality and Family in the Lee Jae-myung administration but resigned voluntarily on the 23rd of last month after allegations surfaced that she had her aides perform tasks such as recycling waste and repairing toilets during the personnel confirmation process.
Representative Kang expressed her remorse through Facebook, stating, "I apologize to the people who have been hurt because of me. I am also endlessly sorry to President Lee Jae-myung, who trusted me and gave me this opportunity," and added, "I will humbly accept the significant admonishment and live reflecting on it."