Concerns Rise Over Youth Support for Yoon Hye-in as Ministerial Candidate

The Democratic Party of Korea is increasingly concerned about Yoon Hye-in, the candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. There are growing public reactions indicating that youth support for the party is wavering. This comes as the party's support among young voters has recently declined, suggesting that proceeding with Yoon's appointment could accelerate this trend.

Spokesperson Jo Gye-won spoke to reporters after a briefing at the National Assembly on the 12th, stating, "We are seriously monitoring this issue from the perspective of the public. The youth's opinions are boiling over regarding this matter, and we cannot ignore it. We need to consider what measures are necessary."

When asked about the possibility of an early resolution regarding Yoon's candidacy, Jo responded, "I understand there are various sentiments within the party. The leadership may express its position on this matter soon."

The Democratic Party is set to hold a high-level party meeting on the 13th, where opinions on this issue are expected to be exchanged. Jo added, "We will properly assess the situation from the public's perspective and discuss response measures."

Meanwhile, Yoon has declared her intention to hold both her position as a proportional representative lawmaker and the ministerial role. This has sparked controversy regarding the Basic Income Party's status. Typically, lawmakers can hold ministerial positions, but it has been customary for proportional representatives to resign when appointed as ministers.

In a press conference on the 10th, Yoon expressed her opposition to this tradition, stating, "We need to reflect on whether the resignation of proportional representatives has been viewed as a political arrangement among politicians."

If Yoon were to resign, the Basic Income Party would lose its status as a parliamentary party, as she was elected as a proportional representative of the Democratic Party's satellite party during the 22nd National Assembly elections.

* This article has been translated by AI.