Democratic Party: "Yoon Seok-yeol Administration Must Quickly Appoint Minister of Gender Equality and Family"

The Democratic Party of Korea pointed out that since former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyun-sook stepped down in February this year, no successor has been appointed, urging the Yoon Seok-yeol administration to promptly appoint a new minister.

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol reiterated his pledge to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stating, "Isn't it time for the ministry to fulfill its historical mission?" Meanwhile, on the 14th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family at the Government Seoul Office, facing a crossroads regarding its existence, is stirring unrest amid a tense atmosphere. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

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Democratic Party lawmakers from the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 24th, stating, "The position of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family has been vacant for the longest period in constitutional history," and added, "President Yoon Seok-yeol is delaying the appointment of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who plays a crucial role in low birthrate policies, demonstrating a 'say one thing, do another' style of governance."

They also criticized that appointing a minister is necessary to address pressing social issues. They said, "Recent multi-ministerial measures against dating violence, such as the 'Gangnam Station dating violence murder' and the 'famous mukbang YouTuber dating violence,' which have outraged the entire nation, are insufficient," and "The issue of reclusive adolescents who isolate themselves from society is emerging as a social problem." Furthermore, they stated, "The 'national advance payment system for child support,' which single-parent families struggling with financial hardship are desperately awaiting, was a pledge of President Yoon, yet proper discussions were not held before the end of the 21st National Assembly."

They continued, "All members of the Democratic Party's Gender Equality and Family Committee strongly urge President Yoon to appoint the Minister of Gender Equality and Family," emphasizing, "As the opposition party, we are willing to actively cooperate. Policies on women, youth, and families are national tasks that must be solved together regardless of party lines." They added, "To resolve the population issues emphasized by the current administration, the neglect of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family must stop immediately, and a minister must be appointed promptly."

Although the Yoon administration pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the second government organization reform plan announced earlier this month decided to retain the ministry. The position of Minister of Gender Equality and Family has been vacant for nearly six months since former Minister Kim's resignation was accepted on February 20.

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