Behind Yong Hye-in’s Resignation Was Kim Min-seok: “I Urged Her to Resign Voluntarily After Taking Public Sentiment Into Account”

[Financial News] Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly urged Yong Hye-in, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, to resign voluntarily, it was confirmed on the 13th. Kim Min-seok’s judgment that it would be difficult to leave the worsening public sentiment unaddressed appears to have played a decisive role in Yong Hye-in’s decision to withdraw her nomination that day.
Kim Tae-seon, chief of staff to Kim Min-seok and a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, said on Facebook that day, "As the chief of staff, I conveyed to Yong Hye-in Kim Min-seok’s recommendation that she resign voluntarily after taking overall public sentiment into account."
Yong Hye-in also said at a press conference announcing her resignation that day, "I was informed by the Democratic Party of Korea that, while it respected the circumstances facing the nominee and the Basic Income Party, I should make a decision as the nominee in consideration of the lack of broad public support for simultaneously holding a proportional-representation parliamentary seat and a ministerial post."
Kim Tae-seon explained, "Simultaneously holding a proportional-representation seat is not a legal violation," but added, "There were aspects that did not fully meet public expectations and sentiment." He continued, "We hope Yong Hye-in will continue to play an important role in realizing the values of progressive politics, completing progressive solidarity, and carrying out the task of reforming the electoral system."
Kim Min-seok’s decision to directly recommend Yong Hye-in’s resignation is understood to have been influenced by the worsening public sentiment following her nomination. In particular, as criticism grew, especially among younger people, over issues including simultaneously holding a proportional-representation seat and a ministerial post, sentiment spread within the ruling party that it would be difficult to continue defending her.
Some in political circles interpret the ruling camp’s decision as possibly reflecting an effort to contain personnel-related controversies ahead of the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Justice. If the controversy surrounding Yong Hye-in continued, party resources could have been diverted from Kim Seung-won’s hearing.

[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter