DPK says will take controversy over gender minister nominee 'seriously'

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has pledged to address the controversy surrounding the nomination of Rep. Yong Hye-in for the position of gender equality minister with utmost seriousness, following mounting criticism over her selection. Senior spokesperson Park Sung-joon revealed this during a meeting of the party's supreme council, stating that party leadership is urgently seeking input from both inside and outside the party regarding her nomination.

Speaking to reporters, Park emphasized that the party intends to evaluate the matter from the perspective of the public. This came one day after Yong reiterated her determination to retain her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly even if appointed to the Cabinet. Under present legislation, lawmakers can simultaneously hold positions in both the Cabinet and the National Assembly, although proportional representatives typically relinquish their parliamentary seats in favor of the next candidate on the proportional representation list.

Yong, who represents the minor Basic Income Party, previously pointed out that her party would cease to exist if she were to relinquish her seat.