Na Kyung-won "Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Still Has Reason to Exist"

"Don't Go Down the Path of Gender Conflict Issues"

Former Na Kyung-won, United Future Party (currently People Power Party) member./Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, mentioned the 'abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF).' On the 10th, Na Kyung-won, former member of the Future United Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party), stated, "Personally, I think there is still a reason for MOGEF to exist."

In a phone interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, Na commented on Yoon's announcement of the 'abolition of MOGEF' pledge on Facebook on the 7th, saying, "(Yoon) has not yet presented a clear stance."

Regarding the gender conflict issue raised by some, he added, "Yoon probably thought that a ministry with a broader mission or encompassing various aspects is needed in several respects."

Na urged that discussions about abolishing MOGEF should not escalate into gender conflicts or feminist issues. He emphasized, "The Justice Party and others are trying to push this toward 'anti-feminism,' but I believe the political sphere itself should discuss this without turning it into a gender conflict issue."

He continued, "The issue of abolishing MOGEF is not new. It was first discussed during the Lee Myung-bak administration amid government reorganization talks. Although it was established with various goals such as enhancing women's rights, there were discussions about whether it would be better for other ministries to absorb its functions due to practical issues like policy execution efficiency and capability."

Former Na Kyung-won, former member of the Future United Party (predecessor of the People Power Party), Photo by Former Na Kyung-won's Facebook screen capture.

Meanwhile, Na addressed the so-called 'Anti-Communism Certification' relay triggered by Yoon, saying, "They call this a red scare, and yesterday the Democratic Party went into a real frenzy. The Democratic Party's overly sensitive reaction whenever communism is mentioned is excessive." 'Anti-Communism' means the eradication of communism or communists.

Recently, the People Power Party has seen a relay of 'Anti-Communism Certification.' On the afternoon of the 8th, Yoon visited the Emart Isu branch to check on quarantine passes and prices, shopping there and posting a photo on his Instagram with hashtags '#egg #greenonion #anchovy #bean #YoonSeokyeol.'

Yoon's visit to Emart is interpreted as a response to former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's criticism of Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin. On the 7th, Cho tweeted, "In 21st century Korea, there is a chaebol chairman who posts a photo of a hangover cure with the hashtag '#AntiCommunism.' Almost at Yoon Seok-yeol's level."