Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party criticized Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party, who was nominated as Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, for seeking to hold both the ministerial post and her seat in the National Assembly, saying, "Why should we devote state funds?" He also likened the Basic Income Party leadership to North Korea, saying it is filled with Yong's family members and aides, calling her "leader" and "supreme dignity."

Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, arrives for her first day at the personnel hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Youth Work Agency (KYWA) in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd./Courtesy of News1

On the 2nd, Ahn posted on his Facebook page an article titled "Basic Income Party leadership filled with the family and aides of Rep. Yong Hye-in's office," and said, "Why should we devote state funds to a party that serves Rep. Yong as 'leader'?"

At the same time, referring to Yong's statement that she would keep her seat even if she takes office as Minister, he said it was "a plea that the Basic Income Party would suffer heavy losses if it becomes a non-parliamentary party," and argued, "because in effect the Basic Income Party is a party ruled by one person, Yong Hye-in."

Ahn said, "Candidate A, who ran unopposed for party leader, served as Yong's secretary; candidate B, running for the supreme council, is Yong's spouse; candidate C is a legislative aide in her office; candidate D is Yong's policy adviser; and candidate E, who ran unopposed for youth supreme council, is also a former secretary in her office." Ahn's point was that the Basic Income Party leadership is filled with Yong's people.

He then asked back, "Has there ever been a party where a single lawmaker, family, and aides monopolize the party leader and supreme council?" and said, "It is questionable why taxpayers' money should be devoted to a party that serves Yong Hye-in as leader and 'supreme dignity.'"

Ahn also expressed concern about the situation after Yong takes office as Minister. He said, "The presidential office and the Democratic Party say give her a chance, she is a competent young person, and precedent is different, and they are desperate to grant special privileges to candidate Yong," and added, "If, as President Lee Jae-myung wishes, candidate Yong is appointed as Minister, the Ministry of Gender Equality will ultimately become yet another habitat for Yong Hye-in's followers."

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