Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced on Friday its commitment to earnestly address the controversy surrounding the nomination of Rep. Yong Hye-in as the new gender equality minister. This comes in response to mounting criticism regarding her nomination.

According to Yonhap News Agency, DP senior spokesperson Park Sung-joon disclosed the party's approach after a meeting of the party's supreme council. He stated that the party leadership is "urgently gathering assessments and views from both within and outside the party" on Yong's nomination. Stressing the importance of public sentiment, Park emphasized, "We will take the issue seriously from the perspective of the people."

The controversy intensified following Yong's press conference, where she affirmed her intention to retain her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly even if appointed to the Cabinet position. Under existing laws, lawmakers can hold Cabinet positions simultaneously; however, it is customary for proportional representatives to vacate their parliamentary seats to assume a Cabinet role, thereby allowing the next candidate on the proportional representation list to take over.

Yong, who represents the minor Basic Income Party as its sole lawmaker, highlighted that her resignation from the Assembly seat would render her party non-parliamentary. Her decision not to relinquish her seat has led to criticism, alongside allegations of nepotism involving her husband and purported connections to a left-leaning underground political party.

A Gallup Korea survey released earlier revealed that 61 percent of respondents perceived Yong as unsuitable for the ministerial position, whereas only 13 percent deemed her fit for the role. A presidential official noted the necessity for Yong to clarify her stance during the confirmation hearing prior to any decision regarding her appointment.