Choi Hyun-sook

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Choi Hyun-sook, 51, a self-confessed lesbian announced her candidacy in the upcoming legislative election, Monday.

Choi shocked the nation with the revelation of her sexual orientation in 2004, when she vowed to work for minorities in society.

``Some ask if a divorced lesbian is qualified as a lawmaker,'' Choi said Monday during a news conference in Youido. ``I think only a member of a minority can work for minorities and deal with them properly.''

She is the first candidate for an election who has openly acknowledged his or her sexual orientation.

Choi got divorced in 2004 and came out publicly as a lesbian. She has since worked as chairwoman for the committee for sexual minorities in the Democratic Labor Party (DLP).

She is looking to run for the election in April in the local constituencies of Jongno, downtown Seoul, forming a party named the ``New Progressive Party.''

As election pledges, she vowed to rid the nation of corrupt politics and work hard for females and minorities.

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr