Yong Hye-in Faces Criticism Over Privilege

This logic is linked to suspicions that the National Election Commission intentionally manipulated numbers, leading to calls for reform, even to the extent of dismantling the NEC, beyond merely solving partial problems.

Suspicions that the National Election Commission intentionally concealed the manipulation of election results are cited as a core reason for the collapse of trust. This is criticized not merely as an error, but as an act that severely undermines the legitimacy of the election system, which is the foundation of democracy.

Ultimately, this distrust has caused public confidence in the National Election Commission to plummet, spreading the perception that the NEC can no longer function as a neutral and fair institution. Consequently, some are even making extreme claims that the current NEC should be dismantled and a new election management system built from scratch.

This distrust has ultimately caused public confidence in the National Election Commission to plummet, spreading the perception that the NEC can no longer function as a neutral and fair institution. Consequently, some are even making extreme claims that the current NEC should be dismantled and a new election management system built from scratch.

Typically, when the economic leadership is changed, related personnel such as the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and the Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs are announced simultaneously. However, Kim's resignation does not align with other personnel changes, lending weight to the theory of dismissal.

This claim of dismissal is linked to analyses that it was a measure to change the mood amidst a decline in government approval ratings. In particular, responsibility for losses amounting to approximately 52 trillion won, incurred by recommending high-risk investment products like leverage ETFs to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, is directed at former Secretary Kim.

In particular, it has been alleged that leverage ETF products, unlike typical financial products, were designed under pressure from the Blue House. In this situation, the overseas departure of a key working-level official further amplifies suspicions.

The head of the Asset Management Division is identified as the 'key person' who best knows the internal circumstances of the leverage ETF product development and approval process. Therefore, it is argued that an investigation into him is essential to uncover the truth of the related suspicions.

There is a growing call for the government to clarify this matter by implementing an overseas travel ban and conducting a thorough investigation into the section chief to resolve public suspicions.

Being elected as a proportional representative through a satellite party is not free from criticism that it is an irregular way to obtain an assembly seat. Moreover, using such a method twice in a row makes it difficult to avoid accusations of exploiting loopholes in the system.

Recently, even after being nominated as a minister, Assemblywoman Yong Hye-in has shown signs of refusing to resign from her proportional representative seat, once again placing her at the center of a 'privilege controversy.' This is criticized as an attempt to use the assembly seat as a means for personal advancement.

Unlike constituency representatives, proportional representatives can be succeeded by the next candidate in line if they resign. Refusing to do so is criticized as an attempt to maintain an assembly seat, funded by taxpayers' money, for personal gain.

The purpose of the proportional representation system is to reflect expertise and diversity in the National Assembly and to secure representation for specific professional groups. However, the attempt to retain an assembly seat even when succession by the next candidate is possible is criticized for undermining the original intent of the system. In particular, since proportional representatives are not directly chosen by local residents, unlike constituency representatives, there is a public opinion that a greater sense of responsibility is required.

Earlier, Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won also criticized such retention of proportional representation seats, urging politicians to act in accordance with public expectations. There is a growing voice that as a member of the National Assembly funded by taxpayers' money, one should prioritize the public interest over personal political ambitions.

Ultimately, this controversy is leading to the need for fundamental reform of the proportional representation system. The dominant public opinion is that institutional improvements are urgently needed so that proportional representation is perceived as a position requiring responsibility, not privilege.