Yong Hye-in faces a political boomerang over past criticism of ministers clinging to office

A video of Yong Hye-in sharply rebuking a former minister for appearing too attached to her post is circulating again after Yong herself declined to give up her parliamentary seat while seeking a Cabinet position.

The footage dates to a National Assembly audit in October 2022. Yong asked Kim Hyun-sook, then minister of gender equality and family, whether she would resign if the ministry were abolished. The government of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol had listed the ministry’s abolition as a policy priority.

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Will you resign if the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is abolished?

When Kim avoided a definitive answer, Yong said it was “pitiful” to see her appear attached to her position. Yong then pressed Kim about reports that she might accept a post leading a new population, family and gender equality body after the ministry’s abolition. When Kim said she had never clung to office, Yong interrupted her and demanded that she answer the question being asked.

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I think it is pitiful to see you appearing attached to your position.

The old remarks have drawn renewed attention because Yong announced after her nomination on Aug. 31 that she would retain her seat. She said the Basic Income Party would otherwise lose its only lawmaker and become an extra-parliamentary party.

South Korean law allows a lawmaker to serve concurrently as a member of the Cabinet. However, proportional-representation seats pass immediately to the next candidate when vacated, and resignation has traditionally been expected when such lawmakers enter the government. Political critics have therefore accused Yong of protecting her vested interests.

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The minister is being questioned by a lawmaker.