'Repeal or Expansion?' Controversy Surrounding the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family... The Key Is Policy, Not the Name

Yoon's Pledge to Abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality Sparks "Divide-and-Rule Politics" Criticism from Democratic and Justice Parties
Some Argue "No Need to Be Bound by Ministry Name," Supporting the Idea

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol./National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Debate continues inside and outside the political sphere over the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF). President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has reiterated his stance on pursuing the pledge to abolish MOGEF, but the Democratic Party and the Justice Party maintain their opposition, calling it "gender division." However, some argue that there is no need to be fixated on whether to keep or abolish MOGEF. They point out that what matters is not the name but focusing the discussion on the roles and functions of the related government departments.

On the 13th, President-elect Yoon reaffirmed his position on abolishing MOGEF during a briefing related to the Presidential Transition Committee at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. He said, "I believe the ministry (MOGEF) has fulfilled its historical mission," adding, "It is now difficult to resolve crimes and injustices experienced by women or men in specific situations through collective distinctions and equal treatment between women and men."

President-elect Yoon revealed plans to establish a new department to handle related issues after abolishing MOGEF. Instead of MOGEF, he intends to create an organization that comprehensively addresses low birth rates, child and youth protection, family and sexual violence issues, and gender equality. He explained, "I think we need to design a more effective government organization to address unfair human rights violations and provide remedies."

The Democratic Party and the Justice Party are opposing the move, saying it "provokes gender conflict." On the 14th, Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo criticized President-elect Yoon's pledge to abolish MOGEF during a joint meeting of standing committee chairs and secretaries, saying, "There is a lack of proper awareness about women. It smells macho." The Justice Party pointed out, "The People Power Party's pledge to abolish MOGEF symbolizes 'Lee Jun-seok-style' divisive politics."

The signboard of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family inside the Government Seoul Office Building. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, some voices suggest a more flexible view on abolishing MOGEF. Rather than engaging in divisive debates over whether to keep or abolish MOGEF, it is important to find alternatives that complement shortcomings and effectively perform core functions.

Chae I-bae, a member of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, said in an interview with MBC Radio, "President-elect Yoon keeps talking about abolishing (MOGEF), but honestly, he does not say 'abolish all existing functions of MOGEF.' There is no need to be too fixated on the name of the ministry or such things."

During his candidacy in early January, President-elect Yoon also stated regarding the pledge to abolish MOGEF, "I will promote the establishment of a new department that comprehensively addresses children, families, and population decline issues rather than dividing by gender." This can be interpreted as meaning that even if MOGEF is abolished, an organization can be created to efficiently execute its functions. However, President-elect Yoon has not yet mentioned the specific roles of the new department to be established instead of MOGEF.

Regarding the issue of abolishing MOGEF, the Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) is keeping several possibilities open. On the 14th, PTC Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo said at a press briefing at the National Assembly, "We will report on several possible policy directions, and I think it is right for the President-elect to choose among them."

Won Hee-ryong, Planning Committee member of the PTC, said in an interview with CBS Radio, "There are many misunderstandings about (abolishing MOGEF). Many worry that support for single-parent families or sexual violence victims will disappear, but that is all rumors," adding, "There are citizens who receive specific benefits and are the targets of those policies, so how could we abolish them? We will find better ways."

It is reported that the PTC requested the dispatch of staff from MOGEF on the 11th. In response to the request, MOGEF recommended two officials each at the director and section chief levels. The dispatched MOGEF staff are expected to assist with practical work related to organizational restructuring and the new government's administration.

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