Yong Hye-in, the nominee for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, voluntarily stepped down from her candidacy on September 13, 2026, only two weeks after being nominated. Holding an emergency press conference at the National Assembly at 11:30 AM, Yong announced, "I am laying down my position as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee of the Lee Jae-myung administration as of today".

Her decision follows a wave of fierce political backlash and public scrutiny. Previously, Yong had faced intense criticism for attempting to retain her proportional representation lawmaker seat while simultaneously serving as a cabinet minister—a move that departed from conventional practices and sparked strong opposition regarding dual office-holding. Critics, including members of the ruling Democratic Party, pointed out a lack of public consensus for holding both positions. Furthermore, Yong revealed during her announcement that the ruling party had formally conveyed its concerns and requested her to make a decisive political choice. 

The controversy surrounding Yong extended beyond the dual-office debate. Opposition and ruling party critics alike accused her of turning the Basic Income Party into a private political instrument, often dubbed a "family-run party" due to her husband holding a major party position. Additional allegations surfaced questioning whether the retention of her parliamentary seat was tied to securing state political subsidies. Controversy also brewed over accusations that she condoned or overlooked gender discrimination within an underground organization she was formerly affiliated with. 

Although Yong had aggressively defended herself and demanded the opening of a parliamentary confirmation hearing just three days prior, mounting pressure from worsening public opinion and a slipping approval rating for the administration made it untenable for her to proceed. While she has officially resigned from her ministerial nomination, Yong will retain her position as a member of the National Assembly representing the Basic Income Party. Her sudden withdrawal marks a significant political stumble as the government faces a heavy lineup of upcoming confirmation hearings.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]