Clash Between Ruling and Opposition Over 'Abolition of Ministry of Gender Equality'... Opposition Proposes Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

Ruling and Opposition 3+3 Policy Consultative Group Activated After One Month
Ends with Only Confirmation of Differences in Positions

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] On the 4th, the ruling and opposition parties clashed over President Yoon Seok-yeol's presidential campaign pledge to 'abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.' Although the '3+3 Policy Council' was reactivated after a month, the gap in positions is so wide that reaching an agreement is expected to be difficult.

Seong Il-jong, Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said to reporters after the 2nd meeting of the 3+3 Policy Council held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that morning, "To adapt to a changing society, we talked about expanding functions related to population, future, and society, including women, into other departments or headquarters rather than ministries." He added, "The Democratic Party confirmed its position that while it may expand or reorganize under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, it is against abolition."

Government Seoul Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family was one of President Yoon’s campaign promises during the presidential election. The proposed amendment to the Government Organization Act reflecting this plan aims to transfer youth, family, and women's policies from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and establish a new Population, Family, and Gender Equality Headquarters.

The People Power Party emphasized that although the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has been in office for eight months, it has yet to establish a proper structure. Seong, the Policy Committee Chairman, said, "I apologize to the public as the government organization, including the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, is not properly set up yet," and added, "As the Yoon Seok-yeol administration enters its eighth month, I ask the Democratic Party to cooperate more so that we can serve and work for the people with greater responsibility."

On the other hand, the Democratic Party officially expressed opposition. Kim Seong-hwan, Policy Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party, explained, "The abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and its demotion to vice-ministerial level is very different from global trends," adding, "Structural gender discrimination still exists for women in South Korea, and the damage remains severe. Therefore, it should be expanded and strengthened as an independent department. There is significant social concern about whether abolition is appropriate."

Kim also said, "Recently, among teenagers and people in their twenties, there is even reverse discrimination. While preventing overall discrimination against women, generational differences exist, so it would be better to maintain or expand and reorganize the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family into a Ministry of Gender Equality and Family."

The amendment to the Act on the Operation of Public Institutions, aimed at aligning the terms of the president and heads of public institutions, was also discussed that day. The amendment seeks to eliminate so-called 'entrenched appointments' and ensure that individuals who share the president’s philosophy serve concurrent terms. Both parties acknowledged the necessity of this and agreed to prepare their respective alternatives and continue discussions.

Sung Il-jong, Chairman of the Policy Committee of the People Power Party, is speaking at the 3+3 ruling and opposition party meeting on the Government Organization Act held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 4th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

There appears to be no disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the elevation of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to a full ministry. Both parties also reached a consensus on establishing an Overseas Korean Affairs Office under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but they plan to carefully review the process to prevent any allegations of favoritism related to relocating the office and changing the status of its officials. Currently, the Overseas Korean Foundation is located in Jeju, but relocation to Sejong or Seoul is being discussed for convenience.

However, both parties plan to continue negotiations to find common ground. Seong, the Policy Committee Chairman, said, "You cannot be full after the first bite," adding, "We will meet tomorrow and the day after to continue consultations."

The meeting was attended by Seong Il-jong, Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, Song Eon-seok, Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, Kim Seong-hwan, Policy Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party, and Wi Seong-gon, Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party. Lee Man-hee of the People Power Party and Kim Gyo-heung of the Democratic Party, both ranking members of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, were absent due to a hearing schedule for the 'Special Committee on the Truth Investigation and Prevention of Recurrence of the Yongsan Itaewon Disaster.'