Kim Min-seok to Yong Hye-in: "The Issue Was Already Revealed Before the Hearing... The Public's Judgment Must Be Respected"

[Financial News] Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 3rd regarding the controversy surrounding Yong Hye-in, a candidate for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, "I am hearing that there are many concerns and criticisms" and "I am thinking deeply about it." He described the controversy as "a matter of judging facts that had already been revealed even without holding a confirmation hearing." This suggests that concerns over Yong Hye-in are also deepening within the ruling party.
Appearing on the Democratic Party of Korea's YouTube channel "Minti07" that morning, Kim Min-seok was asked about his position on Yong Hye-in. He replied, "I am in a position where I am listening to various views and watching the situation," before making the remarks.
Kim Min-seok also mentioned his personal connection with Yong Hye-in. "As it happens, her office is directly across from mine," he said, adding that he had recently had lunch with figures from the Progressive Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Basic Income Party. He continued, "I am hearing that there are many concerns and criticisms, and she must be hearing them as well, so I am also thinking deeply about it."
In particular, Kim Min-seok pointed out that the controversy surrounding Yong Hye-in differs in nature from allegations that typically emerge during a confirmation hearing.
He explained, "The issues that typically arise in a confirmation hearing concern hidden misconduct that is uncovered through the hearing." He added, "What is at issue this time is a matter of judging facts that have already been revealed even without holding a confirmation hearing, so it seems somewhat different from the usual cases."
He emphasized, "We need to consider the various voices and judgments of the public on this matter while respecting them in their own right."
As the controversy surrounding Yong Hye-in continues to spread, the ruling party leader has publicly referred to "concerns and criticisms" and said that the public's judgment must be respected. Attention is therefore expected to focus on how the Democratic Party of Korea and the presidential office respond going forward.
However, Kim Min-seok did not directly state his position on whether Yong Hye-in should step down or whether her nomination should be withdrawn.

[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter