Controversy Surrounds Kang Sun-woo's Nomination as Minister of Gender Equality and Family

Kang Sun-woo, the nominee for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is facing scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding her conduct as a professor. Reports indicate that during the first semester of 2017, while serving as an adjunct professor at Sungkyunkwan University, she was absent for five weeks without notice. Students from that semester claimed that instead of traditional classes, she played audio recordings and referred to them as 'alternative lessons,' leaving many students bewildered.

The reason for her absences appears to be linked to her political activities, as she began working as a policy spokesperson for then-presidential candidate Moon Jae-in's campaign in April 2017. Kang has listed her role as an adjunct professor on her Facebook profile, stating she has been with Sungkyunkwan University since 2017. However, in campaign materials for the 21st National Assembly elections, she referred to herself as a 'former adjunct professor' at the university.

An alumnus from that class expressed disappointment, stating, 'She only taught for about 3-4 weeks, yet she includes it as a credential. How can someone so irresponsible be appointed as a minister?'

Kang's team has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung has requested that the National Assembly submit a report on Kang's confirmation hearing by July 24, indicating a push to finalize her appointment this week. The confirmation hearing held on July 14 faced opposition from the People Power Party, which deemed her unqualified, preventing the adoption of the report.