'Invincibility of Incumbent Lawmakers' Myth Broken... Kang Sunwoo Withdraws as Gender Equality Minister Nominee (Comprehensive)

Apologizes to the Public via Social Media
Controversy Over Ordering Staff to Separate Household Waste
First Incumbent Lawmaker to Withdraw Minister Nomination Since 2000

On July 23, Kang Sunwoo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, voluntarily withdrew from her nomination as Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Kang apologized to the public, saying, "I offer my apologies to the people who must have been hurt by this."

Introducing herself as the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Kang issued an apology to the public via social media on the same day and announced her intention to step down, stating, "It seems this is as far as I can go."

She also apologized to President Lee Jaemyung and the party. Kang said, "I feel endless remorse toward President Lee Jaemyung, who trusted me and gave me this opportunity," and added, "I have also placed a heavy burden on our beloved Democratic Party, who stood by me through difficult times."

Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is signing the oath at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee on July 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kang expressed her regret, saying, "Although I am lacking in many ways, I wanted to give my all and do my best." She continued, "I will humbly accept this harsh reprimand and live my life with reflection."

With Kang's abrupt withdrawal from her candidacy, the so-called "invincibility of incumbent lawmakers" myth?which had persisted for 25 years since the introduction of the National Assembly confirmation hearing system in 2000, with not a single incumbent lawmaker having failed to pass?has now been broken.

Prior to her confirmation hearing, Kang faced allegations of abusing her staff. The main accusations were that she ordered her aides to separate household waste at her private residence and mobilized them to call repair services when her home toilet broke. Additional related allegations continued to surface. During the confirmation process, further claims emerged that her explanations were untruthful, leaving her in a precarious position.

Coincidentally, Kang announced her intention to step down immediately after Park Chandae, a candidate for Democratic Party leader, publicly urged her to make a decision. Park stated, "As a comrade who crossed the line of fire together on the night of the rebellion, it pains me, but someone must speak up. Kang Sunwoo must make her own decision."

After Park broke the silence that Democratic Party lawmakers had maintained out of respect for their colleague and consideration for the presidential office's intentions, Kang effectively announced her resignation immediately. In political circles, there was speculation that the presidential office was moving to push through the appointment, as it had requested the confirmation hearing report for Kang by July 24. Ultimately, the two-day period became a time for Kang to reflect and decide on her voluntary withdrawal.