[Reporter’s Notebook] Why Is the Ruling Party So Fixated on Kang Sunwoo?

"Why, exactly, is there such insistence on retaining Kang Sunwoo, the highly controversial nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family?"

The issue of Kang Sunwoo's appointment has become a major topic in Yeouido's political circles. Not only the opposition but also members within the ruling party have yet to resolve their doubts regarding the push for her appointment. In line with the spirit of the National Assembly's confirmation hearings, it is customary to replace nominees who have become embroiled in disqualification controversies, as was the case with Lee Jinsook, the former nominee for Minister of Education. Political history has repeatedly demonstrated that forcing through such appointments inevitably burdens the administration's momentum.

Nevertheless, on July 22, the presidential office signaled its intention to request a resubmission of the hearing report on Kang Sunwoo. This indicates that the process for appointing the Minister of Gender Equality and Family is moving forward. The People Power Party has warned that even if the appointment is pushed through, they will not recognize her as minister.

The presidential office has not provided a clear reason for insisting on the appointment. The explanation that it is a matter of presidential authority over personnel appointments does little to dispel suspicions. However, some analysts suggest that Kang Sunwoo's job performance may have influenced the decision, given the administration's stated principles of pragmatism and meritocracy. Kang Sunwoo, classified as a "pro-Lee Jaemyung" figure, was responsible for TV debates and arranging interviews with foreign media during the last presidential election. She is also evaluated as having the necessary expertise to oversee women's and family policies, holding a doctorate in family studies.

Given that the Lee Jaemyung administration has expressed its intention to expand and reorganize the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family into the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs, political observers both inside and outside the political sphere analyze that her appointment reflects not only her expertise but also her expected strong leadership over the ministry.

The ruling party leadership is also strongly demanding the appointment be pushed through. To date, no sitting member of the National Assembly has had their nomination withdrawn due to controversies arising during the confirmation process. If this "undefeated incumbent" trend is broken, it could damage the administration's early momentum and strain relations between the presidential office and the ruling party, which is why they have rallied to protect Kang Sunwoo. Some analysts also suggest that a sense of "shared destiny" has influenced this decision, given that it would be nearly impossible for Kang Sunwoo to continue her political career if she were to be rejected.

Will the various controversies subside once she is appointed Minister of Gender Equality and Family? She will inevitably have to perform her duties under considerable pressure, and it remains to be seen whether she can deliver meaningful results in such a challenging environment. If doubts persist, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family may continue to be a burden on the administration.

It is noteworthy that public support for President Lee Jaemyung's administration has recently shown signs of stagnation. In the past, pushing through controversial appointments against public opinion has often brought an early end to the "honeymoon period" of new administrations. President Lee and the ruling party must answer whether there are reasons for insisting on this appointment that have not yet been communicated to the public, or whether they were simply reluctant to tarnish a dedicated nominee with the stigma of being the first sitting lawmaker to be rejected.