Minister expresses regret over sexist remarks

The gender equality minister on Wednesday expressed regret over alleged sexist remarks by a ruling party lawmaker, who is soon likely to be expelled from the party.

Paik Hee-young, minister of gender equality and family, was speaking about Rep. Kang Yong-seok, a lawmaker who has come under fire for his alleged sexist comments. Kang made the alleged remarks on Friday while eating dinner with college students.

The students deemed the comments sexually derogatory to women, including female news anchors. He reportedly made a joke about President Lee Myung-bak as well.

"(Paik) expressed regret with regard to the offensive remarks against women by the leading figure of our society who should be setting an example," Lee Bok-sil, the ministry spokeswoman, said in a press briefing.

Paik also has asked the National Assembly to educate lawmakers about sexual harassment, the spokeswoman said.

Also taking issue with Kang is a local association of anchors, which has filed a petition with the prosecution against the legislator demanding punishment and his public apology.

Despite Kang, 41, a Harvard-educated lawyer, denying ever making the remarks, the Grand National Party (GNP) swiftly decided to dismiss him, just hours after a newspaper reported the story on Tuesday.

The GNP ethics committee's decision on his expulsion must be endorsed by two-thirds of party members to become official.