Who is Lawyer Won Min-kyung? All about Korea’s Gender Equality Minister Nominee

Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Won Min-kyong as the new minister of gender equality. This nomination is important because the ministry has been without a leader for 17 months.

Who is Won Min-kyong

Won is a well-known women’s rights lawyer with more than 20 years of experience. She is 53 years old and has worked mainly in family law. She has helped many women and children, especially victims of domestic abuse.

She passed the national bar exam in 1998 and quickly became a strong voice for women’s rights. She has worked on high-profile cases and pushed for legal reforms, such as better anti-prostitution laws and stronger monitoring of law enforcement.

Career and Achievements

• Between 2007 and 2009, Won chaired the women’s rights committee at Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun).

• She won the Future Women Leaders Award in 2009 for her efforts in raising gender awareness.

• Recently, she advised the National Assembly’s gender equality panel and worked with Korea Women’s Hotline and the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center.

• She provided legal help to victims of the Telegram Nth Room sexual exploitation scandal.

• Since July 2023, she has served on the board of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, speaking out against political interference and defending human rights.

Ministry Revival

The gender equality ministry was left leaderless during the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration. President Lee has promised not only to fill this gap but also to expand the ministry into the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Empowerment. This new ministry will focus more on supporting marginalized groups and protecting young people and victims of violence.

Official Statements

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said Won’s legal knowledge and rights work will help build “a more inclusive and unified republic.”

Won herself promised to work hard to promote gender equality, support victims of violence and families in crisis, and strengthen policies for the healthy growth of young people.