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Kang Sun-woo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

Kang Sun-woo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, submitted her resignation on July 23, just 30 days after being nominated by President Lee Jae-myung.

The presidential office stated it would “swiftly seek a nominee who aligns with public expectations” and added that it would enhance both the speed and rigor of its vetting system.

This marks the first time a sitting National Assembly member has withdrawn as a cabinet nominee since confirmation hearings were introduced in 2005. Kang is the second nominee to step down under the Lee administration, following Lee Jin-sook, former nominee for Minister of Education.

In a Facebook post published at 3:50 p.m., Kang wrote, “To the public hurt by my nomination, I offer my deepest apologies,” and officially declared her withdrawal. She added, “I feel endlessly sorry to President Lee Jae-myung, who placed his trust in me, and to my beloved Democratic Party, which now bears the burden of my shortcomings.”

“I was lacking in many ways, but I wanted to give my all,” she continued. “It seems this is the end of the road for me. I will accept this harsh judgment with humility and live a life of reflection. I am truly sorry.”

Kang reportedly conveyed her decision to Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik at 2:30 p.m., and it was relayed to the president shortly thereafter. According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, President Lee made no comments upon receiving the report.

Since her nomination, Kang had been dogged by multiple allegations—including abuse of authority over aides, budget mismanagement, and unexcused absences during her professorship—which drew criticism from opposition parties, labor groups, and women’s organizations alike.

President Lee had shown determination to push forward with her appointment, requesting the National Assembly to submit her confirmation report by July 24. However, with mounting controversies affecting his approval ratings, Kang’s resignation appears to be a strategic move to limit political fallout.

The latest development is expected to intensify calls for a revamp of the presidential vetting system. Other recent personnel controversies include allegations surrounding former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Oh Kwang-su’s use of borrowed-name real estate, Lee Jin-sook’s alleged plagiarism, and Kang Joon-wook’s defense of martial law policies.

Following Kang’s resignation, presidential spokesperson Kang acknowledged in a briefing that while the vetting process is already conducted “thoroughly and rigorously,” further improvements are needed to better meet public expectations.