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Education Minister nominee Lee Jin-sook and Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Kang Sun-woo/ Source: Yonhap

The ruling Democratic Party has come to the defense of Education Minister nominee Lee Jin-sook and Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Kang Sun-woo, dismissing recent media allegations as exaggerated and politically motivated.

Democratic Party spokesperson Baek Seung-ah appeared on MBC Radio’s Kim Jong-bae’s Focus on July 16, rejecting plagiarism and early overseas education allegations against Lee as overblown. “The academic society in question does not consider it a case of duplicate publication, and the nominee has pledged to fully clarify the matter,” Baek said. “Even her students issued a statement saying this was not an act of plagiarism.”

Baek noted that in the natural sciences, it is common practice to list advisors as first authors depending on their contributions. “Her explanation reflects that context and is worth hearing,” she added, while also urging the public to watch the confirmation hearing for further clarification on reported typos.

Responding to criticism that Lee should be held to the same standard as First Lady Kim Keon-hee, Baek countered, “The People Power Party has consistently turned a blind eye to ethical scrutiny of figures like Kim Keon-hee. Shouldn’t the same standard apply to everyone?”

Regarding allegations that Lee’s children studied abroad prematurely, Baek said, “Both she and her husband were in the U.S. as visiting scholars at the time, and their children expressed a desire to study there. It would have been difficult for parents to say no.” While acknowledging that it may not have aligned with public expectations, Baek emphasized that Lee had apologized and should be judged further at the hearing.

Baek also defended Kang Sun-woo against abuse-of-authority allegations. “According to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the case was closed administratively,” she said. “She apologized multiple times during the hearing, and many of the allegations have been clarified or were exaggerated.”

The spokesperson emphasized Kang’s qualifications and policy vision. “She provided detailed responses on how to normalize the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which the previous Yoon administration tried to abolish,” Baek said. “She showed clear expertise on issues like low birthrates, childcare, youth crime, gender equality, and comfort women.”

Baek also cited Kang’s personal story as the parent of a child with developmental disabilities, saying it reflects her resilience and commitment to the ministry’s mission.