The Democratic Party of Korea on the 12th, regarding the controversy surrounding Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, said it is "watching closely from the public's perspective" and that "measures are needed." It also left open the possibility of discussing response plans at the high-level party-government consultation to be held on the 13th.
Jo Gye-won, the Democratic Party Spokesperson, met with reporters after a National Assembly briefing that day and, regarding nominee Yong, said, "Public opinion among the younger generation is seething over this issue, and we cannot just stand by and watch," adding the same.
Nominee Yong is facing criticism over concurrently serving as a proportional-representation lawmaker and holding a ministerial post, as well as over how the Basic Income Party is run. The opposition is calling for Yong to step down.
Asked whether there were opinions within the party that Yong's future should be settled before Chuseok, Jo, the Spokesperson, said, "I understand there are various currents within the party," adding, "Wouldn't the leadership be able to present a position on this?"
To a question on whether the high-level party-government consultation on the 13th would address the issue of nominee Yong, the response was, "It seems it could be discussed," adding, "We will properly review it from the public's perspective and likely discuss response measures as well."
Earlier, as the Democratic Party said the previous day after the Supreme Council meeting that it would compile internal party opinions on nominee Yong, it was reported that the party leadership may convey internal views related to nominee Yong at the high-level party-government meeting.