Seoul: Gender Equality Minister nominee Kang Sun-woo stepped down Wednesday amid criticism over alleged workplace abuses during her time as a lawmaker. Kang faced intense scrutiny during her parliamentary confirmation hearing for allegations of having legislative aides perform personal chores, such as disposing of food waste at her home.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang expressed her regret on her Facebook page, offering apologies to the public for the distress caused by her actions. She acknowledged the criticism and stated her intent to engage in self-reflection. Kang extended her apologies to President Lee Jae Myung, expressing remorse for being unable to fulfill the opportunity he entrusted to her.
Kang also conveyed her apologies to the ruling Democratic Party (DP), acknowledging the burden her actions had placed on the party. Her intention to resign was communicated to President Lee through Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, as confirmed by spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. The presidential office has announced its intention to promptly search for a new gender minister nominee who aligns with public expectations.
Kang is notable for being the first sitting lawmaker to withdraw from a Cabinet nomination following a parliamentary confirmation hearing since such hearings were introduced in 2005. She is the second minister nominee to step down under the Lee administration, following the withdrawal of former Education Minister nominee Lee Jin-sook.
A two-term lawmaker of the DP, Kang was nominated for the gender minister position late last month. The controversy intensified after staff members accused her of ordering aides to perform personal tasks and repair her toilet, describing her behavior as "gapjil," a term referring to power-abusing practices by superiors in the workplace.
Additional allegations arose that Kang falsified her residential address to appear as though she was residing in her constituency of Gangseo Ward while living in central Gwanghwamun. Kang explained that her Gwanghwamun residence was retained to assist her child, who has a developmental disability, in adapting to a new environment.