Song Eonseok on Kang Sunwoo's Voluntary Resignation: "No More Personnel Disasters Under the Lee Administration"

"Though Belated, Her Voluntary Resignation Is Acknowledged"

Song Eonseok, interim leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 23rd, immediately after Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, expressed her intention to resign, "Although it is late, I acknowledge that she has voluntarily stepped down. Going forward, the personnel verification system must be corrected to prevent another personnel disaster from occurring under the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Speaking with reporters at the National Assembly that day, Song emphasized, "I have repeatedly pointed out that Kang was a nominee who was not even qualified to appear at the confirmation hearing," reiterating his stance.

Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is leaving the hearing room after the morning questioning session was adjourned at the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee hearing on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "Kang's abuse of power toward her aides is something the public cannot possibly overlook," and continued, "The public believes that abuse of power is a disqualifying factor, but that lying and loss of credibility are even more serious grounds for disqualification."

He particularly criticized, "She threatened legal action over the abuse of power allegations, but then lied at the hearing by claiming nothing of the sort had happened, and even tried to explain away the abuse itself with further lies."

Lee Inseon, chair of the Gender Equality and Family Committee, told reporters, "Her decision to voluntarily resign was the right one," and added, "It would be good if the next ministerial nominee is someone with achievements and a track record suited to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and who has worked for women, families, and all vulnerable groups."

On this day, Kang announced her intention to resign via her social networking service (SNS) account. She stated, "I offer my apologies to the people who were hurt because of me," and added, "I also feel endlessly sorry to President Lee Jaemyung, who trusted and gave me this opportunity."