Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. [Yonhap]
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. [Yonhap]

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo questioned Wednesday whether a cabinet minister's post is "just any position that any random person off the street can take."

Hong made the remark in a Facebook post, criticizing a lawmaker nominated for a ministerial post for refusing to resign her Assembly seat. "That lawmaker is throwing a tantrum, insisting on keeping her Assembly seat while also serving as minister," he wrote. "Are there really so few people available?"

The comments appeared directed at Yong Hye-in, a Basic Income Party proportional representative nominated as minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

"How utterly dumbfounded the public must feel watching this comedy unfold," Hong added.

Nominee Yong vows to prepare thoroughly for confirmation hearing

Meanwhile, Yong responded Wednesday to calls for her to resign her proportional Assembly seat, saying she would focus on preparing for her confirmation hearing. "I know well that a confirmation hearing is not simply a space where one speaks alone, but a space for communicating with the public — so I will prepare thoroughly and make sure I can organize and convey my thoughts," she said.

Speaking to reporters on her way into the confirmation hearing preparation office at the Korea Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Yong said she was aware of widespread concern. "I will listen, and listen again. Not only will the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family be there for those who need government support — it will always be the first to arrive," she said.

Yong reiterated that she would use the hearing process as an opportunity for public communication. "Because the confirmation hearing is a process of communicating with the public, I will prepare well and make sure I can organize and deliver my thoughts clearly," she said.


yul@heraldcorp.com