The People Power Party on the 13th criticized the withdrawal of Yong Hye-in as candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family as "nothing more than the ruling party cutting off the tail," adding, "Is the candidate for Minister of Justice Kim Seung-won something they are determined to save no matter what?"
On the same day, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said in a Facebook post, "Candidate Yong gave up the Minister post and chose to keep the proportional representative seat," adding, "In the end, she chose the organization over the Minister." He went on, "It is not her own decision but that of the 'left-wing cartel' trying to protect its interests," and said, "We must lay bare its true nature in full."
Chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon of the People Power Party said in a commentary, "Just because Candidate Yong stepped down from the candidacy does not in any way cover up the allegations of illegality and irregularities so far," saying she should be investigated over the allegations raised.
He added, "Next after Candidate Yong is Candidate Kim Seung-won, who stands at the pinnacle of an unprecedented vested-interest cartel and allegations of illegality." He continued, "Does President Lee still fail to realize anything even after watching Candidate Yong's disgraceful exit?" and said, "Even now, heed the public's warning and immediately withdraw the nomination of Candidate Kim."
People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo wrote on Facebook, "The personnel disaster of the Lee Jae-myung administration has not ended just because they sent out one Yong Hye-in," adding, "Next, it is Candidate Kim Seung-won's turn to step down." Ahn wrote, "Is President Lee perhaps trying to divert the public's gaze with 'eupcham Hye-in' and determined to save Candidate Kim Seung-won at all costs?"
People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo said, "Candidate Yong was awash with allegations, including an under-the-table organization, real estate shopping, a tax straw, and her husband's income as a party official, yet the vetting process did not filter any of it," and asked, "Who recommended and vetted Yong Hye-in?" He continued, "Even an insider in the Democratic Party brought up the name 'Kim Hyun-ji' (presidential office first secretary to the president)," and said, "Get to the bottom of the repeated personnel debacles and vetting failures."
He also said, "A failed nomination is not the end. The Basic Income Party did not meet the requirements to receive state subsidies," adding, "The cancellation of party registration and the recovery of taxes must be carried through to the end."