Candidate Kim Haeng says "I will exit," what is the future of the 'abolished ministry' Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (comprehensive)

First Words After Candidate Nomination: "Abolish Ministries"
Ruling Party "Active" vs Opposition "Lacks Expertise"
Concerns Over "Minister for Abolition"

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who experienced various ups and downs including controversy over the abolition of the ministry and the 'Jamboree disruption,' has finally been replaced. As Kim Haeng, a former emergency committee member of the People Power Party, was appointed as the new candidate and immediately mentioned the abolition of the ministry, saying he would "exit dramatically," there are mixed forecasts about whether the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family can function properly.

On the morning of the 14th, Kim arrived at the personnel hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and told reporters, "President Yoon Seok-yeol pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family during the presidential election," adding this statement. When asked if this meant a quick abolition, he replied, "No, it does not. This is tied to the political schedule," and said, "It means carrying out policies efficiently and allowing our ministry officials to exit happily by better utilizing their capabilities."

The newly appointed candidate, Kim, is known as a public opinion survey expert, having served as head of the research department at the Korea Social Development Institute and as head of the public opinion survey team at JoongAng Ilbo. He served as co-spokesperson of the Blue House Presidential Secretariat at the start of the Park Geun-hye administration in 2013 and was president of the Korea Institute for Gender Equality Promotion and Education, an agency under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, in 2014. Last year, he also served as spokesperson for the People Power Party’s nomination management committee and as an emergency committee member of the People Power Party.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Some suggest that the scope of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’s activities may expand after the ministerial change. A ruling party official explained, "Currently, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is considered the weakest among various ministries," adding, "Nevertheless, since it handles many related tasks such as low birthrate, women, human rights, youth, and family, someone capable of actively fulfilling these roles was needed." Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, predicted on CBS Radio’s 'Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show' on the 12th that "Kim Haeng has maintained a close relationship with Mrs. Kim Geon-hee for about 20 years," and "Kim’s influence is expected to grow."

However, since the ministry is one the government is considering abolishing, Kim is also expected to focus on maintaining operations until abolition. Kim Dae-gi, chief secretary of the presidential office, stated at the cabinet reshuffle announcement, "As you know, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is slated for abolition under our government," and added, "(Kim) was judged to be the right person to smoothly carry out the ministry’s work during this transitional period." Kim himself mentioned the abolition, saying, "While the ministry exists, I will actively communicate with the public and do my best for the beneficiaries." In response, an opposition party official claimed, "Like former Minister Kim Hyun-sook, he is likely a minister who will close the door and do nothing."

The opposition plans to focus on verifying Kim’s abilities and suitability through the personnel hearing. A member of the Democratic Party’s Gender Equality and Family Committee said about Kim’s appointment, "He does not seem to have the expertise to serve as minister," and analyzed, "It appears the government intends to strongly grip the ministry and execute its will, even if it means enduring short-term criticism." The member added, "Abolishing the ministry is only possible if the ruling party holds the majority," and said, "Until the ministry exists, we must ensure through the personnel hearing that he is committed to working properly."

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