"She Was a Warm Mother"...Jung Chungrae Says to Kang Sunwoo, "A Comrade Stands Together in the Rain"

Democratic Party Leadership Contender Jung Chungrae: "I Respect the Decision... It Is Regrettable"
Park Chandae Urges Resignation Just Before Kang Steps Down: "A Decision Must Be Made"
Presidential Office: "We Will Find a Candidate Who Meets Public Expectations"

Amid controversy over alleged abuse of power toward her aides, Kang Sunwoo, former Minister nominee of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, voluntarily resigned on the 23rd. In response, Jung Chungrae, a lawmaker running for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his regret, saying, "It is unfortunate." On social media the same day, Jung stated, "I respect Kang Sunwoo's decision. There will be many difficulties ahead, but I hope she overcomes them well. Let us work together for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration."

On the 14th, Kang Sunwoo, then Minister nominee of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, is speaking at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jung also said, "I offer my personal comfort to Kang Sunwoo as a fellow human being," adding, "Comradeship means winning together and losing together, and standing together in the rain." He continued, "I comfort the wounded hearts of our party members and supporters," and "I extend my sympathy to everyone who was hurt during this controversy." On the 15th, when Kang became embroiled in the abuse of power controversy, Jung had expressed strong support for her on social media, saying, "Kang Sunwoo was a warm mother and an excellent lawmaker," and "Minister, please stay strong."

Earlier, another party leadership contender, Park Chandae, drew attention by calling for Kang's voluntary resignation. On social media, Park stated, "As a fellow lawmaker and comrade who crossed the line of fire together on the night of the rebellion, it pains me, but someone has to speak out," and "Kang must make her own decision." He added, "Now we must take another step forward, reflecting the will of the people," and "For the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, we must make difficult and painful decisions." Park was the first within the Democratic Party to publicly call for Kang's resignation.

Kang announced her intention to resign just 17 minutes after Park posted his message. On social media, she said, "I sincerely apologize to the people who were hurt because of me," and "I feel endlessly sorry to President Lee Jaemyung, who trusted me and gave me this opportunity." She continued, "I have been a great burden to my beloved Democratic Party, which stood with me in the rain," and "Though I am lacking in many ways, I wanted to do my best, but it seems this is as far as I could go. I will accept this harsh criticism with gratitude and live my life in reflection. I am sorry." Afterwards, Park expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for making this decision."

Park Sanghyuk, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated immediately after Kang's resignation, "I did not receive any separate contact from Kang, but I just confirmed it through social media. I assume that the feelings of everyone involved formed the background for her decision," adding, "We respect her decision."

When asked whether there had been any prior consultation with the party regarding Kang's resignation, he replied, "I believe she made her decision after considering various circumstances. The party also respects her feelings." Regarding criticism that Kang's statement did not include an apology to the aides who were harmed, he responded, "Reading her message, I understand that her words to the people and the party include everyone who was affected."

Kang's voluntary resignation broke the so-called "invincible incumbent lawmaker" precedent. Since the introduction of the confirmation hearing system in 2000, there had been no cases of incumbent lawmakers failing to pass the process until Kang. Kang Yoojung, spokesperson for the presidential office, commented, "We are conducting the personnel verification process thoroughly and rigorously," but also noted, "We need to make even greater efforts to find candidates who meet the public's expectations through more diverse methods." She added, "The presidential office will quickly find a nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family who meets the expectations of the people."