DPK moving to cut ties with Yong Hye-in? Issue to be discussed at high-level ruling party–government meeting on the 13th

[Financial News] The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) appears to be distancing itself from Yong Hye-in, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, who faces strong public opposition in various opinion polls.
On the 12th, the DPK announced that it would urgently gather opinions from within and outside the party regarding Yong. A day later, on the 13th, the issue is expected to be discussed at a high-level ruling party–government consultation.
Cho Gye-won, a DPK spokesperson, told reporters after a briefing at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, "We are watching the issue very seriously in line with public expectations." He added, "Public sentiment among the younger generation is boiling over because of this issue, and we cannot simply ignore it. Some kind of measure is needed."
Asked about the party's position on Yong's political future, Cho replied, "I understand that there are various currents within the party. Wouldn't it be possible for the party leadership to present its position on this matter?"
Cho then said that the issue involving Yong could be discussed at the high-level ruling party–government consultation on the 13th, adding, "It seems that we will properly review the matter in line with public expectations and discuss possible responses as well."
Accordingly, party leaders, including DPK leader Kim Min-seok, are expected to convey internal party opinions on Yong at the high-level consultation.
Meanwhile, Yong has faced criticism since being nominated as a minister for holding a proportional-representation parliamentary seat while serving as a minister and for controversy over turning the Basic Income Party into her personal political vehicle. According to a survey conducted by Media Tomato on the 7th and 8th at the request of News Tomato, 73.4% of all respondents said they opposed "the appointment of Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in as minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family."
Regarding the various controversies surrounding her, Yong indicated that she intended to retain her parliamentary seat even if appointed minister, saying, "The law allows National Assembly members to concurrently serve as members of the State Council," and, "It is difficult to agree with applying a different standard only to proportional-representation lawmakers."
[email protected] Lee Hwan-joo Reporter