Kim Min-seok says he is 'deeply considering' criticism over Yong Hye-in nomination controversy

Controversy over Yong Hye-in, the nominee for minister of gender equality and family, has spread rapidly through political circles, drawing criticism from within the Democratic Party of Korea and the broader ruling camp.

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok appeared Thursday on "Minti07," a program on "Democratic Party TV," and said he was "listening to a great deal of concern and criticism and thinking deeply about it," adding that he was "hearing various views and watching how things develop."

Kim said the case appeared to differ from the usual confirmation hearing controversies. "Normally, problems arise when hidden misconduct surfaces during a confirmation hearing," he said. "What is at issue this time is a matter of judgment about facts that were already in plain sight, even without a hearing — that seems different from the typical case."

He added that "the various voices and judgments of the public on this matter deserve respect in their own right and warrant careful consideration."

Democratic Party lawmaker Yun Geon-yeong also weighed in Thursday, telling MBC Radio that it was "a bit disappointing" given that "it is customary for proportional representation lawmakers not to hold concurrent posts" such as a cabinet position. "This is not a question of whether it is illegal or unlawful," he said. "In a sense, it is a matter of attitude, a matter of sentiment."

Rebuilding Korea Party floor leader Kim Jun-hyeong said at a supreme council meeting that stepping down from a proportional representation seat upon joining the cabinet "is not a mere convention." "The reason it has been observed even without legal compulsion is that the seat was given not to the individual but to the party and the values that party represents," he said.