[The Editors' Verdict] Na Kyung-won, Her Resignation from the Vice Chair Position Was Premature

The Vice Chairperson Position Is Part-Time
Concurrent Service Possible Even for a Powerful Ruling Party Leader

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji Yeon-jin] Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won was dismissed from her position as vice chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy (PCASP) on the 13th. On the same day, President Yoon Suk-yeol also dismissed Na from her role as Climate Environment Ambassador. After Na, who had clashed with the presidential office over the so-called "Hungarian-style low birthrate policy" that forgives loans upon childbirth, submitted her resignation letter that day, President Yoon took the unprecedented step of "dismissal" rather than a simple "resignation."

The PCASP is a control tower overseeing government policies related to low birthrate and aging, a direct presidential committee chaired by the president. It was launched in 2005 following the enactment of the Framework Act on Low Birthrate and Aging Society, but the vice chairperson position at the ministerial level was created only in 2017 under the Moon Jae-in administration. The vice chairperson is a non-full-time position without salary. Although an activity allowance is provided as advisory fees, the duties and treatment differ from those of full-time ministers. The inaugural vice chairperson was Kim Sang-hee of the Democratic Party, and the second vice chairperson appointed in February 2020 was Seo Hyung-soo, then a ruling party lawmaker, who concurrently served as a member of the National Assembly.

This is also why Na Kyung-won, who took the vice chairperson role last October, was weighing a run in the People Power Party leadership election. On the previous day, Na wrote on her Facebook, "The vice chairperson position of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee is neither an official public office nor a full-time position," adding, "Anyone can perform this role as a non-full-time civilian while maintaining their primary occupation in society." Since the vice chairperson role allows concurrent positions, Na argued that she could continue in this role even if elected as the party leader of the People Power Party. This is interpreted as the background for her acceptance of the role three months ago. In fact, Na was reportedly enthusiastic about her duties, even expanding and relocating the PCASP office within the Seoul government building during her tenure.

Na, a four-term veteran lawmaker, lost in the 21st National Assembly general election in Seoul Dongjak District to political newcomer Lee Soo-jin of the Democratic Party, and later was defeated by former leader Lee Jun-seok in the 2021 People Power Party leadership election. At that time, Na won the party member vote but lost in public opinion polls, handing over party leadership to Lee. Having tasted two consecutive defeats, she likely anticipated the upcoming March 8 party convention as an essential step for her political comeback. Moreover, various polls showing her as the "party base favorite" acted as a catalyst urging her to run.

Regrettably, when some within the party pressured Na to withdraw her candidacy fearing vote splitting among the "pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol)" faction, she countered by playing the "resignation card" of stepping down as PCASP vice chairperson. On January 5, Na announced in a New Year's meeting with Health and Welfare Ministry reporters that the government was reviewing the Hungarian-style low birthrate policy, which the government had already clearly opposed, sparking intense conflict with the presidential office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo confirmed that after Na reported the policy, both he and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance opposed it due to fiscal concerns.

Nonetheless, Na pushed forward with announcing the policy, further escalating the controversy herself. Na explained, "I was directly criticized and attacked with the baseless frame of 'populism' for introducing overseas policy cases," adding, "I judged that it was no longer possible to properly perform my duties, so I expressed my intention to resign." However, bringing up an issue already settled with the government can be interpreted as a strategic move to resign as vice chairperson and run for party leadership.

Low birthrate is considered a fundamental cause of President Yoon's prioritized "three major reforms (labor, pension, education)." Had Na maintained her PCASP vice chairperson role while running in the party convention, there might have been hope for a low birthrate solution driven by a powerful ruling party leader.

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