Controversy Grows Around Kang Sunwoo, Gender Equality Minister Nominee, and Lee Jinsook, Education Minister Nominee
After Kang's Confirmation Hearing, Presidential Office Says "We Are Reviewing Carefully"
Women's Groups and National Assembly Aides Voice Concerns Over Kang
KTU Demands Lee's Voluntary Withdrawal... Shifts Detected Within Ruling Party
Subtle changes are being detected in the presidential office's stance regarding Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and Lee Jinsook, nominee for Minister of Education. This is because the suspicions surrounding Kang, who completed her confirmation hearing on the 14th, have not been resolved but are instead spreading, while suspicions about Lee, whose confirmation hearing is being held on the 16th, continue to surface one after another. Furthermore, concerns about Kang have been raised by both women's organizations and the National Assembly aides' community, while the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has demanded that Lee voluntarily withdraw her candidacy and that the president retract her nomination, increasing the pressure on both nominees.
At a briefing on the 15th, spokesperson Kang Yoojeong was asked whether Kang Sunwoo's explanations at the confirmation hearing met public expectations. She responded, "We are looking into it carefully, and we are also carefully reviewing whether her explanations were sufficient and convincing." Compared to her comment at the briefing on the 13th, prior to the hearing, when she said, "We will watch her explanations and make a judgment," this represents a more cautious stance. Regarding Lee Jinsook, she said, "We will comment later on her explanations and whether they are appropriate."
The core of the suspicions surrounding Kang Sunwoo is the so-called "gapjil" controversy, referring to abuse of power. Allegations have surfaced that she instructed her aides to take out trash from her home and asked them to fix a broken toilet bidet, sparking controversy. At the hearing, Kang explained, "It was not an instruction to dispose of trash, but rather the aides simply cleaned up food left in the car," but after Telegram messages between her and her aides were made public, the controversy escalated into accusations of "false explanations." In addition, when the opposition claimed that there had been two wage arrears complaints filed in 2020 and 2022, Kang's camp countered, "It was a personal issue involving a driver hired by her spouse, not wage arrears." However, the suspicions have not subsided.
Open criticism of Kang Sunwoo has also continued within the National Assembly aides' community. On "Yeouido Next to the Bamboo Forest," an anonymous online community for National Assembly aides, many strong criticisms were posted, such as "The nominee herself is demonizing the victim," and "I felt a sense of self-loathing during her explanations." The Democratic Party Aides' Council also issued a statement after meeting with acting president and floor leader Kim Byungki, saying, "There has been a lack of interest in the rights and treatment of aides, and many aides have expressed disappointment," and emphasized, "The issues of aides' rights and interests that have come to light are a reality that cannot be ignored."
In a poll conducted in an anonymous group chat of more than 1,450 National Assembly aides, 518 participants (92.7%) voted in favor of Kang Sunwoo stepping down, while 41 (7.3%) opposed. In particular, women's organizations such as the Korea Women's Political Network and the Korean Women's Association United have also raised their voices, questioning Kang's morality and qualifications as Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and urging her to voluntarily withdraw her nomination.
The controversy surrounding Lee Jinsook is also growing. The main issues are allegations of plagiarism and preferential treatment for early overseas study. It has been claimed that a paper Lee published in 2009 on LED lighting is identical in content to a paper by her own student, sparking plagiarism allegations. The National Academic Citizens' Verification Group has already raised concerns, stating, "There are suspicions that Lee appropriated someone else's research achievements." The KTU also immediately objected, stating, "Listing herself as the first author without citation constitutes clear plagiarism and a serious violation of research ethics," and called for Lee's voluntary withdrawal and for the president to retract her nomination.
Lee Jinsook has also been criticized for her lack of expertise in public education and for sending her second daughter to study abroad early without completing middle school. The KTU pointed out, "While Lee may have shown interest and commitment to university administration and her pledge to create 'ten Seoul National Universities,' she is seriously lacking in expertise regarding early childhood, elementary, and secondary education," and added, "She herself admitted to sending her child to study in the United States early during middle school. Someone who distrusts public education and chooses early overseas study, which is emblematic of private education, cannot serve as the head of public education."
Given the concerning trend in public opinion surrounding both nominees, the burden on the presidential office and the ruling party is expected to increase. Even within the ruling Democratic Party, changes in sentiment are being detected. While the party leadership is officially maintaining a defensive posture toward both nominees, some lawmakers and aides have internally expressed concerns that pushing ahead with the appointments could lead to significant political costs. The confirmation hearing for Lee Jinsook being held today is expected to be a critical juncture not only for the fate of both nominees but also for gauging the presidential office's decision.
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