Full Breakdown
President Lee’s Gender Minister Nominee Withdraws Amid Backlash
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Nomination Withdrawal
On September 13, Yong Hye-in, a 36-year-old lawmaker from the minor Basic Income Party, announced she was pulling out of consideration for the post of Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Yong said she would retain her parliamentary seat, arguing that relinquishing it would leave her party without representation. She cited concerns from the ruling Democratic Party about the customary practice that proportional-representation lawmakers vacate their seats when joining the cabinet.
Background & Context
President Lee Jae Myung launched a rapid cabinet reshuffle two weeks earlier, aiming to rejuvenate his administration and arrest a decline in public support. The gender-minister nomination was seen as part of Lee’s strategy to appeal to younger voters. Critics questioned Yong’s experience relative to the incumbent minister, Won Min-kyong, who has long worked in the field. The reshuffle also saw the later resignation of policy chief Kim Yong-beom after criticism that the changes did not constitute a substantive shift.
Data & Statistics
A Gallup Korea survey released on September 11 recorded President Lee’s approval rating at a new low of 38 percent. Among respondents who disapproved of Lee’s performance, 24 percent cited housing issues and 16 percent pointed to the cabinet reshuffle. The same poll indicated that 61 percent of respondents considered Yong unqualified for the ministerial role, while only 13 percent expressed support.
Official Statements & Responses
Yong, in her withdrawal remarks, criticized the opposition for mocking the challenges faced by a minor party and accused media outlets of publishing “malicious and distorted” reports.
Verbatim Quotes
“A Cabinet minister is expected to serve as a bridge between the government and the National Assembly and help foster cooperation. However, I concluded that it would be difficult to effectively fulfil that role when even the ruling party has expressed concerns,” — Cabinet. Yong, korea’s gender minister