"Are You a Member of the National Assembly Because You're a Woman?" Democratic Party Female Lawmaker Attacks... Yoon Hee-suk Responds "Yes"

Yoon Hee-sook of the People Power Party making an inquiry. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Yoon Hee-sook, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the Blue House's forcible appointment of Im Hye-sook as Minister of Science and ICT, saying it "insulted the purpose of the female quota system." She also demanded disciplinary action against Moon Jung-bok, a member of the Democratic Party, who defended the Blue House and said to Yoon, "Did you become a member of the National Assembly because you are a woman but lack ability?"

On the 15th, Yoon posted on her Facebook under the title "A Wonderland Feminism That Protects Those Who Insult the Female Quota System," stating, "It is not particularly surprising that the Moon Jae-in administration forcibly appointed Professor Im Hye-sook, who received countless reports related to morality such as publishing papers from the day she was nominated as a candidate, as a minister, since this happened 30 times under the Moon Jae-in government." However, she pointed out, "The words spoken during the process blatantly revealed how hypocritical and ignorant this government, which habitually advocates feminism, truly is."

Yoon pointed out, "Opinions are divided on whether there should be a female quota for ministerial positions that have a significant impact on the lives of the people, but since the president and the ruling party promised it, they should have diligently sought candidates with ability and qualifications." She also criticized the current government's greater mistake as the narrative that "appointments are made even if qualifications are lacking because of the quota" and "power is elevating women." She argued that this attitude "insulted women living in a competitive daily life and alienated men."

She continued, "The answer to the Democratic Party member Moon Jung-bok's question, 'Did you become a member of the National Assembly because you are a woman?' is 'Yes.'" Yoon explained, "If I were a man, the nomination officials would not have spent a long time persuading me. Successful middle-aged and older women are disparaged and discriminated against as 'because they are women' when they make mistakes, and it is also true that when they achieve the same results as their male colleagues, they can enjoy the advantage of standing out more."

Yoon said, "Women in high-ranking positions who have sometimes received favorable treatment because they are rare have the duty to create a stage where both men and women of the next generation can live without grievances." She emphasized again, "If there is even one ruling party lawmaker who sincerely empathizes with the purpose of gender equality, they should say what needs to be said, not attack it with factional logic, and demand disciplinary action against the same-party lawmaker who insulted the purpose and an apology from the president."

Earlier, on the 14th, criticism arose from the opposition regarding President Moon's appointment of Im Hye-sook as Minister of Science and ICT amid controversies over her qualifications. Despite various controversies such as family overseas trips and false address registration, it was pointed out that the appointment was forced due to President Moon's pledge to allocate 30% of ministerial posts to women.

Yoon also pointed out on Facebook, "Is Moon Jae-in-style feminism that it does not matter if you lack ability and qualifications as long as you are a woman?"

In response, Moon Jung-bok wrote on Facebook, "Then (Yoon Hee-sook) member, did you become a member of the National Assembly because you are a woman but lack ability?" sparking a verbal exchange with Yoon.