Yong Hye-in quits as gender minister nominee amid criticism

Minor Basic Income Party representative Yong Hye-in resigned from her nomination to become the minister of gender equality and family on Sunday, putting an end to two weeks of controversy surrounding her decision to hold both her parliamentary seat and the cabinet position. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Yong stated, "I have decided to step down as the nominee for minister of gender equality and family, relinquishing my personal commitment to establishing a gender-equal society for all under the Lee Jae Myung administration."

She attributed her decision to opposition within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as the key factor. Yong explained, "Cabinet members are expected to act as the bridge between the Assembly and the government to create consensus. Given that even members of the ruling party expressed concern, I concluded that fulfilling the duties in practice would be unattainable."

Additionally, Yong emphasized the need to cease at this point to uphold the spirit of solidarity among the DPK, the Basic Income Party, and the wider democratic progressive bloc. She also targeted the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), accusing it of obstructing the process.