Minister Lee Jung-ok Repeatedly Apologizes for "Gender Sensitivity Learning Opportunity" Remarks... Will the Controversy Subside?

"Apologize for Inappropriate Remarks"
Victim Group Urges "Resignation of Minister of Gender Equality and Family"

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jeong-ok [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok repeatedly apologized for her remark calling next year's by-elections a "collective learning opportunity for gender sensitivity."

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on the 7th, Minister Lee stated in her opening remarks at the 3rd Committee on the Prevention of Violence Against Women held at the Government Seoul Office on the 6th, "I deeply regret causing concern to the victims and the public due to my inappropriate remarks."

She also directly apologized to the victims of the incident. Minister Lee said, "Regardless of my original intention, I sincerely and deeply apologize for the hurt caused as a result." She added, "The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has always strived to prioritize victims under a victim-centered approach in promoting women's rights and preventing sexual violence, but it seems there were still shortcomings. We will work harder so that victims can trust and rely on us going forward."

On the 5th, when attending the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee, Minister Lee was asked about the 83.8 billion won budget required for the by-elections held in Seoul and Busan. She responded by calling it "an opportunity for the entire nation to collectively learn gender sensitivity," which sparked controversy. Later that afternoon at the Budget Committee, she took the opportunity to respond, saying, "I feel sorry to the victims," and apologized.

However, the controversy continues. The "Joint Action for the Seoul Mayor Power Sexual Violence Case" issued a statement on the 6th saying, "If the Minister of Gender Equality and Family continues to avoid taking a stance by citing an ongoing investigation, she should first learn her role." The Joint Countermeasures Committee for the Oh Geodon Sexual Violence Case also called for the minister's resignation in a statement. The committee said, "Victims are not tools to teach the public gender sensitivity," and added, "We wonder if the head of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, who should be leading victim protection, has been viewing sexual violence cases committed by agency heads from this perspective."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.