Han Donghun: "Pushing Ahead with Kang Sunwoo's Appointment? Remember the Aides Who Stood Against Martial Law Troops"

"It Was the Aides, Not Lawmakers, Who Blocked the Martial Law Troops"
"Appointing Kang as Minister Is Like Throwing Them Out as Trash"

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghun strongly criticized the appointment of Kang Sunwoo as the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, referencing the dedication of aides who protected the National Assembly during the 12·3 Martial Law Emergency. He argued that appointing someone embroiled in a "staff abuse" controversy as a minister would be a betrayal of the aides who defended the National Assembly.

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghun strongly criticized the appointment of Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family.

On July 18, Han wrote on his Facebook page, "On the night of December 3, it was not the lawmakers but the aides and party staff who physically blocked the martial law troops in front of the Rotunda Hall at the National Assembly, making the resolution to lift martial law possible." He added, "There were probably more aides from the Democratic Party present."

He went on to say, "Appointing Kang Sunwoo as a minister is like throwing out those aides as if they were household garbage." This remark was interpreted as a criticism of the allegation that Kang instructed her aides to take care of trash separation duties.

Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is arriving at work to prepare for the confirmation hearing and sharing her thoughts with the press.

Han also emphasized that opposition to Kang's appointment is not simply obstructionism by the opposition parties. He stated, "If the People Power Party's disappointing conduct is being used as an excuse to ignore public opinion and push through this appointment, those responsible should remember the aides who physically blocked the martial law troops in the Rotunda Hall that night."

Kang is facing criticism over her personnel management practices, as it has been reported that she replaced more than 50 aides over five years during her tenure as a lawmaker. There are also allegations that she assigned personal tasks to some of her aides.

In addition, Kang is suspected of receiving political donations in a "split" method from an executive of the Ssangbangwool Group. She was also embroiled in controversy for allegedly violating COVID-19 prevention rules in July 2023. Multiple witnesses testified that, when access was restricted as she tried to visit a hospitalized family member, she caused a disturbance by invoking her status as a lawmaker.

Amid these controversies, calls for Kang to voluntarily withdraw her nomination are spreading across both ruling and opposition parties. Not only have all past chairpersons of the Democratic Party Aides Council publicly demanded her resignation, but the progressive civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy has also openly called for her to step down.