Kim Min-seok of the Democratic Party of Korea said on the 3rd that regarding the controversy over Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in keeping her proportional representation seat, "We need to think about it while respecting, as they are, the many voices and judgments of the public."
Appearing on "Democratic Party TV" that morning, Kim said of the nominee, "We are watching, we are hearing that there are many concerns and criticisms, and the nominee herself will be hearing them as well," and stated accordingly.
At the same time, Kim said, "What usually becomes an issue in a confirmation hearing are matters related to previously hidden corruption that surface through the hearing," adding, "What is at issue this time is a matter of judgment on facts already revealed, so it is different from the usual case."
Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung nominated Yong, a lawmaker from the Basic Income Party, as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family. However, controversy has arisen after Yong said she would break with precedent and concurrently serve as a proportional representation lawmaker. On top of that, concerns over the "appointment of a family secretary-general" and "expertise and representativeness" are piling up.
Criticism is also emerging within the ruling party. Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil said on SBS Radio the previous day, "Serving twice as a proportional representative goes against precedent," adding, "If you are made a minister and still insist on continuing as a lawmaker, anyone would see that as greedy." Lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae of the same party also appeared on MBC News and said, "If you want to serve as a minister, it is better to resign your National Assembly seat."