Yong Hye-in signals she may keep parliamentary seat after becoming minister

Yong Hye-in, a lawmaker from South Korea’s Basic Income Party, has indicated that she plans to retain her proportional-representation seat after being appointed minister of gender equality and family, effectively combining the two roles.

In a social-media post on the 31st, Yong said she wanted to address the convention that lawmakers resign their seats when taking a ministerial position. She acknowledged concerns that not resigning could be seen as protecting a privilege or benefit.

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I cautiously want to state my position regarding the convention of resigning one's parliamentary seat.

Yong also asked for understanding of the difficulties faced by a minor party. The short statement did not provide further details about how she would hold both positions.

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I am well aware of the various concerns that resigning from the parliamentary seat could be seen as a privilege or benefit.