Kim Hankyu Says "Even Within the Party, Kang Sunwoo Is Seen as Problematic... Sincere Statement Needed"

Negative View on Opposition's Proposal for Additional Hearing
Party Leaders and Lawmakers Emphasize Need for Sincere Apologies

Within the Democratic Party, there have been calls for both the party and Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, to issue an apology regarding her appointment. It was also stated that if President Lee Jaemyung makes a final decision to appoint Kang, the ruling party would have no choice but to cooperate.

Kim Hankyu, the secretary of the Gender Equality and Family Committee for the Democratic Party, met with reporters on the 23rd and, regarding the possibility of an apology from Kang, said, "The possibility depends on the nominee and the presidential office," adding, "Within the party, there are few who believe that Kang has done nothing wrong."

He continued, "Regarding her aides, there is a sense of concern about certain actions taken by Kang, and while her previous apology may not have been entirely satisfying to the public, she has acknowledged inappropriate aspects herself. Additionally, as further issues have been confirmed, many believe that whether it is before or after the president's final appointment, a sincere statement of her position is necessary."

On the 14th, at the confirmation hearing for Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, held by the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee, Kim Hankyu, the ruling party's secretary, is protesting to Chairperson Lee Inseon. 2025.7.14 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding such a statement, he said, "While there are issues with Kang herself, there are likely several lawmakers who are not free from such matters either. This should be an opportunity to comfort the aides who may have been hurt, for party leaders and lawmakers to offer sincere apologies, and for active measures to be taken to prevent such problems from recurring."

He also affirmed his intention to respect President Lee Jaemyung's decision on the appointment. Kim stated, "Since the position of Minister of Gender Equality and Family has been vacant for a long time, if the president decides to make the appointment in order to quickly resume work and complete the cabinet, ruling party lawmakers will, of course, have to cooperate." However, he added, "I understand that the opinion that some action is needed has been conveyed to the presidential office and party leadership."

He also expressed regret about the opposition's stance regarding the confirmation hearing report. Kim said, "If the opposition finds the nominee inappropriate, wouldn't it be better to leave that on record and let the president make the decision? That would also increase the political burden on the president," he remarked.

Regarding the opposition's suggestion to hold an additional day of confirmation hearings for Kang, Kim indicated that the proposal would be considered if it were formally made. He said, "Through the hearing and media reports, everyone is already aware of the nominee's morality and qualifications. Now, it is up to the president to make a decision on the appointment." He added, "As secretary, my view is negative, but if an official proposal comes from the People Power Party, we will discuss it within the party." Previously, Song Eonseok, the acting chairman and floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at a party meeting, "We officially propose to the Democratic Party that the confirmation hearing be extended by one more day."

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