Seoul: Gender Equality Minister nominee Kang Sun-woo has stepped down amid mounting criticism over alleged workplace abuses during her tenure as a lawmaker. Kang faced intense scrutiny during her parliamentary confirmation hearing due to accusations that she exploited her legislative aides for personal tasks, such as household chores and waste disposal.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang expressed her remorse on her Facebook page, apologizing for the distress she caused. She acknowledged the criticism directed at her and committed to self-reflection. Kang also conveyed her apologies to President Lee Jae Myung for his misplaced trust and to the ruling Democratic Party (DP) for becoming a burden to them.
Kang's resignation marks a significant moment, as she is the first sitting lawmaker to withdraw from a Cabinet nomination following a failed confirmation hearing since such procedures began in 2005. She is also the second minister nominee to step down during the Lee administration, following the withdrawal of former Education Minister nominee Lee Jin-sook. Kang, a two-term lawmaker from the DP, was nominated for the gender minister position late last month.
The controversy surrounding Kang intensified after allegations emerged from her staff. They claimed she ordered her aides to perform household tasks and repair her toilet, describing her behavior as "gapjil," a Korean term for power abuse in the workplace. Furthermore, Kang faced accusations of falsifying her residential address to falsely claim residency in her constituency of Gangseo Ward, while she actually lived in central Gwanghwamun. Kang defended her decision to maintain her Gwanghwamun residence, explaining it was to support her child with a developmental disability in adjusting to a new environment.