Departing Minister of Gender Equality Lee Jung-ok: "If There Are Mistakes, I Will Embrace Them"

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok is holding an emergency meeting with private members of the Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 17th. This meeting was arranged to prevent secondary harm and recurrence of similar incidents following the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Lee Jung-ok, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, retired on the 28th.

At the farewell ceremony held that day, Minister Lee said, "If there are any mistakes, I will take responsibility for them." The ceremony was held privately in the afternoon at the Government Seoul Office.

In her farewell speech, the minister said, "We are now moving toward a gender-equal society," adding, "Like the leading bird in a flock of migratory birds facing headwinds with its whole body, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family must lead the way regardless of any difficulties." She continued, "We have women, families, and youth who need careful attention," emphasizing, "We must be a warm light for them."

Finally, she said, "I will always support the journey toward realizing a gender-equal and inclusive society."

During Minister Lee's tenure, which began in September last year, major incidents occurred one after another, including the Telegram Nth Room case involving the production and distribution of sexual exploitation materials, and the controversy over the misuse of subsidies by the Justice and Memory Foundation for victims of Japanese military sexual slavery.

Earlier, President Moon Jae-in officially appointed Jeong Young-ae as the new Minister of Gender Equality and Family.

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