President Lee Stands Firm: Kang Sun-woo’s Appointment Moves Forward Despite Controversy

President Lee Jae-myung is set to request that the National Assembly submit a confirmation hearing report for Gender Minister nominee Kang Sun-woo on Tuesday, according to his office. This move signals his intention to proceed with her appointment despite growing public opposition.

Kang, a lawmaker from the ruling party, underwent a parliamentary confirmation hearing on July 14. However, the main opposition People Power Party has refused to adopt the report, citing allegations of workplace abuse during her tenure in the Assembly.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung informed reporters that President Lee will formally request the National Assembly to submit the report on nominee Kang today.

This action is widely interpreted as a clear indication that Lee intends to move forward with Kang’s appointment, despite a series of accusations that she mistreated former parliamentary aides and abused her authority as a lawmaker.

Under the confirmation hearing law, if the National Assembly fails to submit the hearing report by the initial deadline, the president may request its submission after setting a new 10-day deadline.

Should the Assembly fail to comply within this extended timeframe, the president has the authority to proceed with the appointment unilaterally. (Yonhap)