Yong Hye-in, the leader of the Basic Income Party and nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, has indicated her intention to break with tradition and retain her position as a lawmaker. She cited concerns that resigning could negatively impact her party, which is a minor political group.
On Facebook, Yong stated, "I cautiously express my position regarding the tradition of resigning from a lawmaker role. I am aware of various concerns that my resignation could be perceived as a privilege or benefit. If my resignation were solely a personal issue unrelated to the party's direction, I would not have contemplated it if I were not the only lawmaker from the Basic Income Party."
She emphasized, "Given the institutional gap in coalition politics, the Basic Income Party cannot succeed a proportional representation seat. If I resign, the only member of our party in the National Assembly, the Basic Income Party would have to become a minor party." She also expressed her understanding of the difficulties faced by minor parties, stating, "I humbly ask for your understanding that personal decisions are inevitably linked to the party's direction."
Additionally, she noted, "I have already informed the party that I will not run for a proportional representation seat in the next general election," and added, "I will listen to both the encouragement and criticism from the public with humility and prepare diligently for the confirmation hearing."
If Yong successfully passes the confirmation hearing, she will become the first minister born in the 1990s. While it is customary for lawmakers to resign from their positions when appointed as ministers, proportional representation lawmakers typically follow this practice. Yong was elected as a proportional representative from the Democratic Alliance, a satellite party of the ruling coalition, in the 22nd general election. If she resigns, Ko Jae-soon, the former secretary-general of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, could succeed her.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.