[E-Daily Reporter KWON HYE-ME ] Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, broke her silence to address various allegations—including controversy over holding multiple positions—and appeared somewhat tense or emotional during the press conference.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Nominee Yong held an unannounced press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center in Yeouido, Seoul. This marked the first time she had expressed her views on the various allegations in eight days, since her first day at work on the 2nd.

That day, Nominee Yong took the podium, took a deep breath, drank some bottled water, and greeted the press corps. She then rolled up her sleeves and calmly began her remarks. First, introducing herself by saying, “Respected citizens, I am Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family,” she began by stating, “Since my nomination, absurd allegations have been reported as if they were factual.”

Yong then spent about 35 minutes addressing the controversy over holding the ministerial and legislative positions concurrently, reports that she established a “ghost” provincial party to receive subsidies, allegations that she used a loophole to save 36 million won in taxes by paying 190 million won in party dues, reports on her ranking at the bottom in terms of total spending on women’s political development funds and issues with the operation of a policy research institute, reports regarding her personal assets, and various other allegations and controversies, such as claims of running a “family-based party” or an “underground organization.”

During the press conference, Nominee Yong appeared to be holding back tears. She explained that as various allegations had been reported in the media over the past period, even Party of Basic Income officials and members had been inundated with calls from reporters.

“There was even a call to the acting party leader, who was at the crematorium saying goodbye to his late father,” she said in a trembling voice. “When he replied, ‘I’m in mourning,’ the caller asked, ‘Then can I just ask one question?’”

During the Q&A session that followed his remarks, Candidate Yong said, “I’ll have a glass of water first,” drank some bottled water, and then answered about five questions. When a reporter stated, “I’d like to convey the public’s opposition to Candidate Yong,” he responded, “I don’t think this is the right place for you to debate with me right now. Since it’s also important to give others a chance to ask questions, I’ll move on,” sparking a brief exchange.

Meanwhile, a poll conducted by the polling firm Public Opinion Fair on behalf of Pen & Mike on the 6th and 7th surveyed 1,015 men and women nationwide aged 18 and older regarding their views on Candidate Yong’s appointment. The results showed 72.2% “opposed,” 16.6% “in favor,” and 11.2% “unsure.”

The survey was conducted via wireless ARS (automated response system) using a structured questionnaire and 100% wireless RDD (Random Digit Dialing). The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For further details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.