Basic Income Party on Yong Hye-in's Dual Roles: New Path and Precedent Required

Amid growing controversy over the dual roles of proportional representation lawmaker and cabinet minister held by Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in, the Basic Income Party has expressed its stance that it is a "new attempt."

Speaking to reporters after a National Assembly press briefing today (Sept. 7), Basic Income Party Supreme Council Member Shin Ji-hye said, "There are many opinions that there has never been a case of simultaneously holding a proportional representation seat and a ministerial post. A new path should always be a challenge and an attempt in order to create a new precedent."

She added, "This is a new attempt by the Basic Income Party to demonstrate how we can pool our efforts to ensure that the Lee Jae-myung administration's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family achieves tangible results in the process of realizing coalition politics."

Regarding calls for Yong to either give up her proportional representation seat or decline the ministerial nomination, she responded, "From the party's perspective, we are requesting that nominee Yong hold both positions. As the presidential office also expressed its wish for her to thoroughly persuade the public during the confirmation hearing process, I understand that she is sincerely deliberating over the confirmation hearing."

The party also drew a line regarding allegations of so-called "self-appointment" concerning Yong's appointment of her husband to a key party post, as well as suspicions related to an unofficial network.

Spokesperson Roh Seo-young, who attended the briefing, explained, "The appointment of her spouse as secretary-general was already agreed upon during the party's preparation stage. It went through an additional approval procedure at the National Committee following nomination by the Standing Committee."

Spokesperson Roh also added, "Regarding the unofficial network being discussed in connection with the Basic Income Party, we can say with certainty that there is no relation whatsoever. Our position on this matter will be explained in detail at the confirmation hearing."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.