野 "Abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality? ... Expansion and Reform Are Needed"

"Downgrade to Deputy Minister Level Weakens MOE's Negotiation Power"
"Politicizing Government Organization Act Amid Livelihood Economy and Security Crisis Is Undesirable"

Kim Seong-hwan, Chairman of the Policy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] In response to the government and ruling party's plan to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Democratic Party of Korea expressed the need to expand and reorganize the ministry. However, regarding the revision of the Government Organization Act, they advocated caution citing economic and security concerns.

On the 11th, Kim Seong-hwan, chairman of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee, held a press briefing at the National Assembly and said, "We plan to actively participate because the establishment of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Overseas Koreans Office aligns closely with the Democratic Party's position." However, he added, "We have consistently opposed the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and its demotion to a vice-ministerial department within the Ministry of Health and Welfare since the presidential election." He continued, "Recently, there was the stalking murder case in Sindang-dong, and a domestic violence murder case in Seosan. These are not individual issues but reflect the persistent structural discrimination against women." He expressed concern, saying, "If the so-called women's discrimination issues are downgraded to a vice-ministerial department, the bargaining power between ministries will significantly decrease." He also stated, "The recommendation to establish an independent department to eliminate gender discrimination comes from the United Nations and is a global trend. Our party finds it difficult to agree with going in the opposite direction."

The Democratic Party rather emphasized the need to expand and reorganize the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Chairman Kim said, "We believe the expansion and reorganization of the ministry is necessary," adding, "The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family should include population and youth policies under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and since structural issues differ by generation, it is the Democratic Party's position that the ministry's functions should be changed and expanded."

Regarding the current government's organizational restructuring, he raised a cautious view. Chairman Kim said, "I do not think now is the appropriate time to publicize organizational restructuring," explaining, "With high inflation and high interest rates, and the possibility of OPEC cutting production leading to high oil prices, plus the Bank of Korea likely raising interest rates again worsening the high-interest situation, people's livelihoods are very serious. Additionally, the security situation is very grave with North Korea launching missiles daily, so addressing these issues is urgent." He added, "Our party's position is that politicizing government organization is undesirable as it wastes national power."

However, Chairman Kim expressed willingness to accept the formation of a consultative body if proposed by the government and ruling party regarding the Government Organization Act. He said, "As far as I know, no official proposal has been made yet," and added, "After the audit ends and the legislative period begins, we will discuss it, and there is no reason not to respond to consultations."

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