Called for Resignation at 3:30 p.m., Stepped Down at 3:47 p.m.
"As a Comrade, It Hurts, But Someone Must Speak Up"
"Must Move Forward Reflecting Public Sentiment," Urged via Social Media
As public opinion regarding Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, rapidly deteriorated, Park Chandae, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership, stepped forward. After Park called for a decisive action, Kang promptly withdrew her candidacy.
On the afternoon of the 23rd at 3:30 p.m., Park urged Kang to voluntarily step down via social media. He stated, "As a fellow lawmaker and a comrade with whom I crossed the line of fire on the night of the rebellion, it pains me, but someone must speak up, so I am doing so," and added, "Now, we must take another step forward, reflecting the will of the people. For the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, we must make a difficult and painful decision."
He continued, "Candidate Kang Sunwoo must make the decision herself," and said, "I hope you will deeply consider this."
Park Chandae, a candidate running for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership election, is giving a free speech at the National Assembly plenary session on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, Park had expressed a cautious stance regarding Kang's appointment. On the 18th, he said, "Personally, I support Representative Kang," but also remarked, "I believe I must carefully weigh my own political convictions, the thoughts of the government and the president, and the sentiment of the people to make the right decision." At the time, he drew attention by mentioning "deliberation," a euphemism for "it may be difficult."
Park's public call for voluntary resignation was also the first open statement among ruling party lawmakers. Within the party, there had been caution about making public comments on this issue, despite shared concerns, due to respect for President Lee Jaemyung's authority over appointments and the fact that Kang is a fellow lawmaker. On the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sangwook said in a radio interview, "It is clear that many citizens are raising issues regarding public acceptance," and added, "I wonder if it would be appropriate to provide explanations for the suspicions and show sincere reflection, perhaps by creating a separate occasion for an apology and clarification." Kim Hankyu, the Democratic Party's secretary on the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee, also told reporters, "Within the party, there are few who believe that Candidate Kang has no issues," but added, "Many believe that whether the president appoints her or not, there should be a sincere statement of her position either before or after the appointment."
What drew attention was that after Park took the lead, Kang announced her resignation just 17 minutes later. At 3:47 p.m., Kang posted on social media, "It seems this is as far as I can go," and added, "I offer my apologies to the people who must have been hurt."
After Kang announced her decision, Park said, "Thank you for making this decision."
Park refrained from commenting on whether there had been any communication with the presidential office regarding his call for Kang's resignation. However, Democratic Party lawmaker Noh Jongmyun explained that Park's public call for Kang's resignation followed his earlier, more indirect expression of concern by mentioning "deliberation." He said, "Park made his decision after gauging public opinion and determining that the situation could become risky."
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