South Korean Gender Minister Nominee Yong Hye-in Withdraws
President Lee Jae Myung's nominee for gender equality minister, Rep. Yong Hye-in, has withdrawn her candidacy amid controversy over her plan to keep her parliamentary seat and falling public support.
President Lee Jae Myung's pick to lead the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has withdrawn from consideration. Rep. Yong Hye-in, the sole lawmaker of the minor Basic Income Party, announced her decision on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after two weeks of mounting political pressure.
Yong made the announcement during a news conference at the National Assembly. "I am withdrawing from consideration as gender equality minister today, putting aside the resolve I had as a nominee to help build a gender-equal society for all," she said. The presidential office stated it respects her decision and will work to select a new nominee who meets public expectations, according to spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung.
Controversy Over Dual Roles
The core controversy stemmed from Yong's stated intention to retain her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly if appointed to the Cabinet. While current law allows lawmakers to serve concurrently as ministers, proportional representatives have customarily resigned their seats upon joining the Cabinet. The seat would then pass to the next candidate on the party's list.
Yong argued that resigning would leave her Basic Income Party without parliamentary representation. This plan drew criticism from both opposition lawmakers and some within the ruling Democratic Party bloc. The ruling party had asked Yong to make a decision on her nomination.
Falling Poll Numbers and Broader Criticisms
The pressure for Yong to step aside intensified alongside declining approval ratings for President Lee. A recent Gallup Korea poll provided specific figures on public sentiment.
| Subject | Approval Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| President Lee Jae Myung's job performance | 38% positive | Lowest since he took office in June 2025; poll of 1,000 adults conducted Sept. 8-10, 2026. |
| Yong Hye-in's nomination as gender minister | 61% negative | From the same Gallup Korea poll. |
The report notes Lee's approval has fallen particularly among people in their 20s and 30s in recent weeks. Beyond the seat controversy, Yong also faced criticism over allegations of nepotism involving her husband and alleged ties to an underground left-leaning political group.
Aftermath and Next Steps
With Yong's withdrawal, the presidential office must now vet and select a new candidate for the gender equality portfolio. The episode highlights the political challenges for the Lee administration and the customary expectations surrounding proportional representation seats in South Korea's cabinet appointments. The search for a nominee who can garner broader public and political support begins anew.
