Democratic Party Respects Kang Sunwoo's Decision to Withdraw... No Prior Consultation with Party

Ruling Party's Park Sanghyuk:
"Will Continue to Pursue Improvements
in the Treatment of Aides"

The Democratic Party of Korea stated that it respects the decision of Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, to voluntarily withdraw her candidacy.

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

On July 23 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Park Sanghyuk, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Communication of the Democratic Party, met with reporters and said, "The nominee expressed her regret to the public who must have been pained, to President Lee Jaemyung who gave her the opportunity, and to the party members and colleagues who have shared both hardships and joys. She also offered a confession and an apology, saying she would engage in further self-reflection. We respect her decision."

When asked whether there had been any prior consultation with the party, Park responded, "That is correct." He added, "I did not receive any separate contact from nominee Kang; I confirmed her intention to withdraw through social networking services (SNS)."

In response to a question about whether this incident would lead to improvements in the treatment of aides, Park said, "This is a separate matter, but such improvements are necessary." He continued, "Kim Byungki, acting party leader and floor leader, also promised improvements on this issue last time." He added, "Personally, I have long thought such improvements are needed, so I will continue to pursue them as a separate issue."

Negative public opinion regarding nominee Kang spread as allegations of mistreatment of aides surfaced. It was alleged that during her tenure as a lawmaker, Kang instructed her aides to repair toilets and separate household waste at her residence. The frequent turnover of her aides also came under scrutiny.

Additionally, on July 21, former Minister Chung Youngae raised further allegations against nominee Kang, stating, "She also engaged in 'budget cut power abuse' related to resolving local district complaints, even targeting the minister of the department."