용혜인 ‘장관·비례 겸임’ 논란 확산…여당서도 파열음

A debate is escalating within the Democratic Party over the proposal to transfer the role of Family and Welfare Ministry Secretary-General to a proportional representative candidate. Democratic Party Chairwoman Min-hui stated on SBS Radio that transferring the proportional representative position to the Ministry Secretary-General is not legally prohibited, and suggested that the next proportional representative should give up their position to avoid a vacancy.

Party Chairwoman Park Seon-won, however, argued that proportional representatives must relinquish their positions when transferring to higher roles, as per standard practice. The ruling party has criticized the proportional representative's alliance with the Basic Livelihood Party, demanding that President Jeong Il-young rescind the appointment of the candidate.

The party's representative emphasized that the importance of a seat within the party outweighs the significance of the Ministry position, urging the candidate to either give up the Ministry role or the seat. Former ruling party member Jeoh Yeong also criticized the use of controversial methods to gain a proportional representative seat, requesting understanding from the public for the penalties incurred.

The candidate's spouse's employment in the Basic Livelihood Party is also attracting criticism, with a Democratic Party delegate expressing disappointment in the "1-person party" mentality. The ruling party declined to comment on the candidate's decision to maintain the proportional representative position during the interview, stating that they would be given an opportunity during the oath-taking process.