Female lawmaker nominated as labor minister

By Choi Ha-young

Kim Young-joo

President Moon Jae-in nominated Rep. Kim Young-joo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea as labor minister Sunday.

Kim, 62, a three-term lawmaker, previously chaired the 19th National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee. Before entering politics, she worked as a clerk at Seoul Bank and became its union leader in 1985.

“I feel a grave responsibility to be tapped to lead the Ministry of Employment and Labor,” she said in a statement, Sunday. “The ministry’s role is more important than ever. The nation can overcome inequality and economic polarization by creating jobs for those who want to work, providing corresponding compensation and tackling discrimination in workplaces.”

In the statement sent to reporters, she emphasized a work and life balance, in line with President Moon’s policy to ensure workers’ holidays as stipulated in law. “For citizens’ wellbeing, the nation is challenged to decrease its average working hours which are the longest among OECD countries,” Kim said.

Former labor minister nominee Cho Dae-yop, a Korea University sociology professor, withdrew from the nomination July 13 due to ethical lapses.