Yong Hye-in: "Holding Concurrent Positions Allowed by Law... Need to Understand Purpose of Nominating Opposition Lawmaker"

Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, addressed the controversy surrounding her holding both a proportional representative lawmaker seat and a ministerial position simultaneously, stating, "Holding the positions of a member of the National Assembly and a state council member concurrently is permitted by law."

During a press conference held at the National Assembly today (the 10th), Nominee Yong stated, "Nominating an incumbent opposition lawmaker as a minister is the first case since the DJP (Kim Dae-jung-Kim Jong-pil) coalition during the Kim Dae-jung administration, so it is difficult to evaluate it as a mere precedent," making the remarks.

She repeatedly expressed her stance that she will hold both her proportional representative seat and the Minister of Gender Equality and Family position in accordance with the law.

Nominee Yong stated, "We need to understand the intent of the coalition in nominating an incumbent opposition lawmaker," adding, "It is regrettable that before we could confirm this meaning and explain it in detail to the public, a public statement was posted by the Democratic Party spokesperson, solidifying it into a pre-arranged frame."

She continued, "The principle of representation applies equally to lawmakers from single-member constituencies," and argued, "Instead, we should reflect on whether the precedent of resigning as a proportional representative has become a way for politicians to divide up seats."

She further emphasized, "If the argument is that we need legislative discussions regarding the side effects of holding the positions of a lawmaker and a state council member concurrently as a matter of principle, I agree with the necessity of discussion," but noted, "It is difficult to agree with applying different principles and yardsticks only to proportional representatives."

Nominee Yong said, "Although the Basic Income Party is small, it has grown into a strong party," adding, "As a small party in the National Assembly with just one seat, I wanted to engage in political activities that take responsibility and present alternatives through a loudspeaker that can be heard as clearly as possible."

She also stated, "If my personal honor and advancement were more important than being asked to work for the country and the people, I would not have accepted the ministerial nomination."

Nominee Yong remarked, "I heard many suggestions about why I shouldn't just perform the ministerial duties instead of keeping the lawmaker seat and join a larger party," adding, "I believe that achieving dignity for everyone is more important than personal advancement, and I accepted the nomination for a gender-equal society."


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