First Day at Confirmation Hearing Office on the 26th
Kang: "I Will Ensure That Prejudice and Conflict Do Not Hinder Growth Momentum"
Kang Sunwoo, who has been nominated as the first Minister of Gender Equality and Family under the Lee Jaemyung administration, said on the 26th, "I want to play a role in creating a path where people do not have to make extraordinary efforts just to live an ordinary life."
On her first day reporting to the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Ima Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kang responded with these remarks when asked by reporters about her feelings on being nominated as minister.
Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is arriving at the hearing preparation office set up in Ima Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 26th to prepare for the confirmation hearing. 2025.06.26 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Before sharing her thoughts, Kang first addressed the fatal fire accident that occurred in Busan on the 25th, bowing her head and saying, "As one of those who have chosen politics as a profession, I am deeply sorry."
She began by expressing her condolences for the two children, aged 7 and 10, who lost their lives in the fire, and added, "I can't help but wonder what might have happened if there had been even one adult to care for them at the time when their parents had left for work early in the morning, or if there had been a national care system in place." She continued, "I will strive to observe with an open mind, ensuring that no one is discriminated against or reverse-discriminated against because of circumstances they did not choose or because of what they were born into."
She also stated, "I will work to ensure that prejudice and conflict in our society do not hinder South Korea's growth momentum. I will do my part to mediate these issues and, when necessary, make decisive choices. I take full responsibility for these actions."
She went on to say, "I want to help create a society where a poor child does not become a poor youth, and a poor youth does not face poverty in old age, so that people do not have to make extraordinary efforts just to live ordinary lives. I will devote my body and heart to those who are most in need and in the lowest places."
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has remained without a minister for one year and four months since former Minister Kim Hyunsook resigned in February last year. While the Yoon Sukyeol administration had raised the idea of abolishing the ministry, the new administration is moving to expand and reorganize it into the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs, which is expected to strengthen its role.
Kang stated, "I will ensure that our ministry, which is expected to undergo changes, becomes the soil that warmly embraces the lives of the people, rather than serving as a record of the achievements of Kang Sunwoo or the government. I will faithfully carry out all the remaining procedures ahead."
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