Minister of Gender Equality and Family, but... Women's groups also say "Kang Seon-woo should not hold public office"

[Financial News] The women's community has called for the resignation of Kang Seon-woo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who is embroiled in allegations of "aide abuse," and for the nomination of a new figure.

The Korea Women's Political Network issued a statement on the 15th titled "We urge the resignation of nominee Kang, who cannot even distinguish between public and private matters," stating, "We demand the resignation of Kang Seon-woo, who violated the human rights of aides. Furthermore, we urge the appointment of a public official with the qualifications, capabilities, and vision to serve as Minister of Gender Equality and Family."

They also stated, "The nominee's opening remarks and responses to the abuse allegations themselves show the aspects of power Kang enjoyed," adding, "As a former spokesperson, she chose the refined words 'advice' and 'request,' but in reality, she packaged issues that occurred in private spaces as 'advice' and 'request' to have private work performed."

They continued, "Even if there was no intention of abuse, a person who cannot distinguish between public duties and abuse does not possess the basic qualifications as a public official," criticizing that "not only should she not be Minister of Gender Equality and Family, but she should not hold any other public office either."

The Korean Women's Association United also issued a statement that day, saying, "Nominee Kang Seon-woo is not suitable as Minister of Gender Equality and Family," and "President Lee Jae-myung should withdraw Kang Seon-woo's nomination and re-nominate a figure with the qualifications and capabilities to fully lead the national gender equality policy."

They also stated, "The explanations regarding the abuse allegations against the nominee fundamentally cast doubt on her qualifications as the head of a department that should create a gender-equal society by eliminating discrimination against women and minorities and promoting their rights."

Women's groups also expressed concern about nominee Kang's perception of gender equality policy tasks. The Korea Women's Political Network criticized, "According to the answers submitted by nominee Kang Seon-woo at the confirmation hearing, she did not show any willingness to promote the various duties that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family must perform, such as enacting the Anti-Discrimination Act, revising criminal policy to non-consensual rape, and enacting the Living Partners Act, citing 'social consensus,'" adding, "The term 'social consensus' in front of individual dignity and equality is a violent language."

The Korean Women's Association United also stated, "Nominee Kang only repeated the fundamental stance that 'social consensus is needed' on key issues such as the Anti-Discrimination Act, comprehensive sex education, and non-consensual rape," adding, "This stance does not meet the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and international human rights standards, and it reveals a lack of will and plan to actively solve gender equality policy tasks."

Meanwhile, nominee Kang apologized for the abuse allegations surrounding her during the confirmation hearing that lasted over 12 hours the previous day, but claimed that there were exaggerated parts in the media reports regarding the facts, and completely denied the allegations.
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter