The National Assembly’s Gender Equality and Family Committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing for Won Min-kyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, on the 3rd. This hearing aims to fill the ministerial vacancy left after the resignation of former minister Kim Hyun-sook in February 2024, which has remained unfilled for 19 months. Despite the lack of agreement between ruling and opposition parties, resulting in the absence of witnesses and references, the hearing will proceed. The opposition party had sought to call the recently pardoned former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang, who was convicted of embezzlement, as a witness, but this was rejected by the Democratic Party citing a lack of relevance.
President Lee Jae-myung had nominated Won on August 13th, after a previous nominee withdrew due to controversy, highlighting Won’s extensive experience in law, civil society, and government bodies in protecting the rights of the socially disadvantaged and promoting human rights. Won’s career includes roles such as Chair of the Women’s Rights Commission of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, advisor to the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, and a high-profile role in the response to the Nth Room case.
No serious personal issues disqualifying her have surfaced, aside from allegations of false residence registration. Therefore, the hearing is expected to focus primarily on policy issues facing the Gender Equality Ministry.
Key policy debates may include the comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act, which has been stalled due to social disagreements since first proposed in 2007, and topics like the introduction of a non-consensual intercourse crime, decriminalization of prostitution workers, and strategies against stalking and digital sex crimes. Additionally, the possibility of expanding the ministry into the Gender Equality and Family Ministry will be evaluated, addressing concerns about diminishing the ministry’s influence. President Lee has also called for addressing partial discrimination against men within the department’s remit.