Kim Jin-ae: "It is inappropriate to frame it with a gender sensitivity perspective"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Joo-hyung] Kim Jin-ae, a member of the Open Democratic Party, defended Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister nominee Byeon Chang-heum’s remark that "women are cautious about having breakfast with strangers because they have to wear makeup," saying it was "actually considerate of women."
On the 24th, at the full meeting of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee for the adoption of the hearing report on nominee Byeon, Rep. Kim said, "(Byeon’s remark) has nothing to do with gender sensitivity. It is rather considerate of women."
Earlier, at the confirmation hearing held on the 23rd, nominee Byeon emphasized the necessity of so-called "shared kitchens" in rental housing, mentioning, "For women, because of makeup and such, it is very cautious to have breakfast together."
However, some criticism arose over Byeon’s remark, pointing out that it reinforced prejudices against women. Jin Sun-mi, chairwoman of the Land Committee, said to nominee Byeon, "There are concerns that this is a prejudice against women. Please explain your exact intention and express partial regret."
On the 23rd, the confirmation hearing for Byeon Chang-heum, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, was held at the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. / Photo by Yonhap News
In response, nominee Byeon explained, "My intention was to emphasize the need to properly assess user demand when designing or constructing rental housing," adding, "Listeners might misunderstand, but that was not the intention."
Rep. Kim defended nominee Byeon’s remarks on the 24th, saying there was no problem with them.
She said, "For example, I go out in the morning without makeup without any problem, but my elderly mother, even in her 80s, would prepare herself in the morning and was reluctant to go out without changing clothes," adding, "Lifestyles are very different."
Rep. Kim also criticized Chairwoman Jin, who had demanded nominee Byeon "explain the exact intention of his remarks." Kim said, "(Chairwoman Jin’s question) was framing nominee Byeon. It was inappropriate," adding, "I think it does not reflect the chairwoman’s usual understanding of gender sensitivity or her usual emphasis on gender sensitivity. I express regret."
In response, Chairwoman Jin said, "During the nominee’s explanation, there were misunderstandings and concerns, so I pointed them out to give him a chance to clarify his mistake."
She added, "(The chairwoman) can make remarks at moments when she is conscious in daily life and correct misunderstandings when there is room for them," and "I find it hard to agree with the attack that I lack gender sensitivity."
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