Kim Hyun-sook, Minister of Gender Equality Candidate Hearing
Slogan says 'Abolish' but answers emphasize 'Strengthening functions'
Kim Hyun-sook: "Agree to abolish Ministry of Gender Equality, but maintain its functions"
Mentions power-type sexual crimes as reason for abolishing Ministry
Emphasizes response to five major violences and "Need for hotline under minister"
Regarding transfer of women's rights to other ministries: "Requires thorough review"
Also stresses role as control tower for child and family affairs
Kim Hyun-sook, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 11th and responded to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Kim Hyun-sook, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, made contradictory remarks at the confirmation hearing by emphasizing the 'abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF)' while also stating that its authority and functions should be maintained but it should act as a 'control tower.' She avoided answering whether she agreed with the statement that 'there is no structural gender discrimination.'
At the confirmation hearing held on the 11th at the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee, when opposition party lawmakers asked Kim whether she agreed with President Yoon Suk-yeol's statement that 'there is no structural gender discrimination,' she avoided a direct answer, saying, "It is not appropriate to comment on the President's remarks."
Furthermore, Kim said, "I think the statement was made based on the Global Gender Gap Index," and added, "The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has existed for 20 years, so I would like to discuss with the lawmakers why the situation has not improved and why Korea's ranking dropped to 102nd."
In the 2021 Global Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum, South Korea ranked 102nd out of 156 countries. The Gender Gap Index measures women's status relative to men, who are set as the baseline, in areas such as economic participation and the proportion of ministers and lawmakers. South Korea's gender wage gap ranks among the lowest in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
The 'M-shaped curve,' where women's employment rate sharply declines from their 30s due to childcare, is a representative phenomenon of structural gender discrimination. Kim said, "(The career discontinuity of women) is the main cause of the wage gap," and added, "I think employment-related systems such as telecommuting or flexible work during childcare periods, as well as care systems, need to be newly organized."
Shouting 'Abolish MOGEF' but No Blueprint... Only Repeating 'I Will Listen to Opinions'
Kim agreed with President Yoon Suk-yeol's pledge to 'abolish MOGEF' but did not mention any reorganization plan or blueprint.
Kim said, "Even if MOGEF is abolished, it does not mean abandoning the functions currently handled," and added, "I will also consider how it will transform and move to a new ministry."
Opposition lawmakers criticized the situation of holding a ministerial confirmation hearing ahead of the abolition of MOGEF as a 'comedy' or 'nonsense.' Kwon In-sook, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out, "If there are insufficient functions in MOGEF, they can be strengthened, but the nominee irresponsibly advocates abolishing MOGEF without filling any gaps."
Kim, in unison with ruling party lawmakers, cited 'responding to power-based sexual crimes' as a reason for abolition. She said she would promote strengthening the 'victim protection and support system for the five major types of violence (power-based and digital sexual crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking crimes).'
Kim said, "I think there was public anger because MOGEF amplified gender conflicts and failed to properly act as the main ministry to respond to power-based sexual crimes by heads of organizations," and added, "I think a 'hotline' under the minister is needed to appeal against sexual crimes by local government heads. I will do my best to prevent secondary victimization."
President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol reiterated his pledge to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stating, "Isn't it time for the ministry to fulfill its historical mission?" Meanwhile, on the 14th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family at the Government Seoul Office, facing a crossroads regarding its existence, is stirring unrest amid a restless atmosphere. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
Nominee Calls to Abolish MOGEF but Wants to Create a 'Control Tower'
However, she did not present any alternatives for the 'gender equality policy promotion system' that would actually take charge of such policies. Among the contents of the government organization law amendment bill proposed by Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, there is even a provision to transfer MOGEF's women's rights tasks to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Kim responded, "I think sufficient review is necessary."
Kim said, "Domestic violence is also one of MOGEF's tasks, and child abuse often occurs together with domestic violence," and added, "When the ministry in charge of family policy handles both, it can better protect victims."
Kim is also aware of the limitations of MOGEF as an organization that must cooperate with other ministries. However, by emphasizing 'abolition' without alternatives while saying the role should be 'strengthened,' she sent a message that no alternatives have been sought.
There was also a statement that MOGEF should act as a control tower by integrating tasks scattered across several ministries related to children, youth, and family affairs.
Kim said, "MOGEF's tasks are fragmented, and there are many parts that require collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Employment and Labor, so I get the impression that MOGEF plays a secondary ministry role with very few projects it can lead," and added, "I think MOGEF should not transfer all its tasks to other ministries but integrate, organize, and unify them to create a control tower."
It is also ironic that Kim had advocated strengthening the functions and authority of MOGEF when she was active in the Gender Equality and Family Committee. Hwang Jeong-min, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "When you were the committee's secretary, you continuously advocated strengthening MOGEF's functions and authority. Was MOGEF's existence and role right then but wrong now?" Kim replied, "I have never said that the functions should be weakened."
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