Voices Calling for 'Lee Jung-ok's Dismissal' Even in the Largest Research Group

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 13th, it was reported that within the Democratic Party of Korea, the largest parliamentary research group 'The Better Future (Deo Mirae)' raised claims that Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok should be dismissed. This appears to be a growing voice within the party ahead of the cabinet reshuffle expected soon, in preparation for next year's by-elections.

According to members of Deo Mirae, at the end of the regular meeting on the 11th, which featured a lecture by former Minister of SMEs and Startups Hong Jong-hak, one lawmaker brought up the issue of Minister Lee's position. The argument was that she lacks the qualifications as a minister and should be replaced in the anticipated December cabinet reshuffle.

Previously, on the 5th, Minister Lee sparked controversy by responding to the by-elections held due to local government heads from the Democratic Party stepping down amid sexual harassment allegations, saying, "I think it can be an opportunity for the entire nation to undergo collective learning about gender sensitivity."

One lawmaker told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "It is true that there was a claim that the opinion that Minister Lee is inappropriate should be conveyed to the Blue House," adding, "It was one of the opinions expressed in a meeting with only about ten lawmakers remaining, and the meeting ended quickly without any debate."

The calls for Minister Lee's dismissal seem to stem from concerns that despite her frequent verbal missteps, continuing to keep her in office would make it difficult to properly conduct next year's by-elections. It is also known that within the Democratic Party leadership, there is a consensus that her remarks are highly inappropriate.

The opposition's attacks are also a burden. On the 10th, ahead of the review of next year's budget under the jurisdiction of the Women and Family Committee, the People Power Party criticized, "If sexual harassment is an opportunity to learn about sex education, then is drunk driving an opportunity to learn about preventing drunk driving? Is murder an opportunity to learn about respecting life?" They also declared that they would refuse to review the budget unless Minister Lee resigns.

Nevertheless, it is considered unusual that Democratic Party lawmakers expressed opinions regarding the position of a specific minister. In particular, there is an interpretation that this signals a shift in the relationship between the party and the Blue House in the latter half of President Moon's term, moving from the Blue House to a party-centered dynamic. It is speculated that the party will take the lead and exert influence in this cabinet reshuffle.

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