Calls for Resignation of Kang Sun-woo, Ministerial Candidate for Gender Equality and Family

Kang Sun-woo, the nominee for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, attended a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on July 14, 2025. Following allegations of misconduct involving her aides, various women's and civic organizations have demanded her resignation.

The Korean Women’s Political Network (한여넷) issued a statement on July 15, urging Kang to step down, stating, "Kang's inability to distinguish between public and private responsibilities is alarming." They criticized her defense regarding claims of her aides being asked to perform personal tasks, such as sorting trash and fixing bidets, arguing that her explanations reflect the power dynamics she has wielded.

They noted, "While she chose to use softened terms like 'advice' and 'request,' the reality is that she disguised personal issues as such, compelling her aides to perform private labor. It is common knowledge that if a member of the National Assembly leaves leftover food in a car, it is the responsibility of those employed to clean it up. Who would not understand this?"

The organization further stated, "Kang's attitude, which exploits others' dignity and labor while obscuring the reality with terms like 'advice' and 'request,' shows a fundamental lack of qualifications for public office. She should not hold the position of Minister of Gender Equality and Family, nor any other public office."

The Korean Women’s Association United also released a statement on the same day, asserting that Kang is unsuitable for the ministerial role. They expressed that her explanations regarding the allegations against her aides fundamentally undermine her qualifications to lead a department responsible for promoting gender equality and addressing discrimination against women and minorities.

They emphasized that the Minister of Gender Equality and Family must demonstrate accountability in their conduct regarding power dynamics within the organization and should apply and practice these values to themselves.

Additionally, they expressed concern over Kang's understanding of key gender equality policy issues, noting that her repeated calls for 'social consensus' on critical matters such as anti-discrimination laws, comprehensive sex education, and non-consensual sexual acts reveal a lack of proactive intent and planning to address these issues.

Workplace Rights 119 also stated their opposition to appointing someone with unresolved allegations of misconduct to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and minorities as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family.