The Basic Income Party reaffirmed that Yong Hye-in, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, should retain her National Assembly seat while serving in the cabinet. The party said criticism of the arrangement reflects prejudice against proportional representatives and young women, and described the nomination as a product of coalition politics and Yong’s legislative work on gender equality and dignified lives. It plans to defend the arrangement during her confirmation hearing, expected on either the 18th or 22nd, with the final date to be set through discussions between ruling and opposition parties. The party also denied any connection to an alleged shadow organization accused of tolerating gender-discriminatory guidelines, saying issues concerning Yong personally should be addressed at the hearing. The dispute follows the party’s internal election of former co-leader Oh Jun-ho as chair with 93.89% of the vote and scrutiny of senior roles held by Yong and her husband, Park Ki-hong.