Gender equality minister says presidential office asked her to 'steady' ministry

Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyong informed reporters on Thursday that the presidential office has requested her to "steady" her ministry, suggesting she will retain her position despite a withdrawing nominee's political controversy. Won disclosed this after Representative Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party dropped out as a candidate last month due to concerns over her proposed retention of a parliamentary seat if appointed as the minister.

When questioned about maintaining her role, Won stated that the Cheong Wa Dae had requested her to "steady the organization" following Yong's decision to withdraw. In a briefing to mark the ministry's first anniversary since its reorganization in October last year, Won pledged to endeavor with her staff to persistently advance the policy tasks assigned by the president and the public.

Established under a revised government reorganization law, the ministry has been focused on launching new initiatives, including the recent rollout.