Oh Jun-ho, the representative of the Basic Income Party, to which Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in belongs, stated on the 10th regarding allegations of severe gender discrimination in a past non-public organization she was involved with, “This was an incident investigated and disciplined in 2018,” adding, “I have not seen any testimony that Ms. Yong was directly involved.”
Mr. Oh appeared on CBS Radio’s *Park Seong-tae’s News Show* and responded to the host’s question: “The Basic Income Party originated from the Social Democratic Party and the Labor Party. In 2018, when it was still the Labor Party, there were internal revelations that the party’s main faction was discriminatory and oppressive toward female activists. It is claimed that Ms. Yong did not actively address this and instead spoke from a position opposing the victims of gender discrimination. How do you view this?”
The Labor Party, which Ms. Yong was part of, confirmed in 2018 through an internal investigation that a non-public “underground organization” existed. This organization influenced the Labor Party, the “Alba Labor Union,” and groups like “Youth Leftists,” and reportedly educated female activists on “abortion bans” and “pre-marital chastity.” There were also claims that female activists were taught to engage in “supportive struggles” for male activists after marriage. At the time, Ms. Yong was the representative of the “Youth Leftists.”
In response, Mr. Oh stated, “The Basic Income Party clearly recognizes that a movement culture with gender-discriminatory practices is outdated and wrong,” and extended condolences to those hurt by the issue. He added, however, “This matter was investigated and disciplinary measures were taken by the Labor Party in 2018, before the Basic Income Party was founded. To my knowledge, Ms. Yong was not named in connection with the incident at the time.”
Mr. Oh continued, “So far, I have not seen testimony that Ms. Yong was directly involved in, complicit in, or actively defended gender-discriminatory actions.” He noted, “If there are matters she needs to clarify as an activist, Ms. Yong will address them clearly.”
The host pointed out, “Kim Yoon-young, the former head of the Labor Party’s Women’s Committee, recently stated in a media interview that most of the personnel from the controversial organization are now key positions in the Basic Income Party and that the tradition has continued.”
In response, Mr. Oh acknowledged, “It is true that some former Labor Party members joined the Basic Income Party,” but emphasized, “The organization in question was dissolved long before the party’s founding and underwent reflection and self-criticism regarding its discriminatory culture.” He added, “After the party’s founding, a large number of new members joined, completely changing the personnel structure. If outdated movement cultures existed, there would have been testimonies or reports, as there were during the Labor Party era, but no such reports have emerged in the seven years since the party’s founding.” He argued, “Unless all 25,000 party members sympathize with such activities, the absence of reports proves that such practices no longer exist in the Basic Income Party.”
The host noted, “Former Labor Party Women’s Committee head Kim Yoon-young testified that Ms. Yong’s spouse, Park Ki-yong, a senior member of the Basic Income Party, was criticized in 2018 as a perpetrator of patriarchal issues, and that Ms. Yong remained silent despite knowing this, even as activists requested her to address the problem.”
Mr. Oh, however, stated, “From what I understand, Ms. Yong and her spouse were not directly involved in gender discrimination, but there were shortcomings in clarifying the issue to the satisfaction of those who testified.” He added, “I believe they have reflected on this and have been striving to act differently within the Basic Income Party.”
Mr. Oh asserted, “Ms. Yong’s legislative record shows active efforts to protect victims of gender discrimination, such as proposing a stalking prevention bill and legislation to punish familial violence. She is not someone who would ignore victims.”
Regarding Ms. Yong’s attempt to concurrently hold the ministerial position and a proportional representation seat, Mr. Oh said, “If the party alone were considered, it might have been better for her to avoid this controversy by not participating in the cabinet.” However, he explained, “By joining, she and the party aim to create a new model of coalition politics with the Democratic Party of Korea, even if it means sharing responsibility if government approval ratings decline.” He added, “She is deeply contemplating the issues the public is concerned about.”
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