Gender minister nominee refuses to give up lawmaker seat, sparking backlash
A debate over whether a cabinet minister can simultaneously hold a parliamentary seat is widening across the political circle, with the nomination of Rep. Yong Hye-in as minister of gender equality and family emerging as a test case for the limits of parliamentary convention and the unresolved contradictions of Korea's satellite party system. Yong, a two-term lawmaker representing the progressive…
A contentious issue is emerging in Korean politics regarding whether a cabinet minister can hold a parliamentary seat at the same time. This debate has been reignited by the nomination of Representative Yong Hye-in as the new minister of gender equality and family.
Yong, who has served two terms as a lawmaker for the progressive Basic Income Party, announced on Monday that she will retain her position in the National Assembly despite her appointment to a ministerial role. This move deviates from parliamentary convention and has sparked criticism from opposition parties, women's advocacy groups, and some within her own ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Yong's decision is based on what she perceives as an institutional gap in coalition politics. She argues that, due to this void, her Basic Income Party is legally unable to succeed her proportional seat if she were to resign. In a statement on her social media, she explained the reasoning behind her stance.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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