"It's been many years since more female students go to college than male students. ... Women have already been on par with them in education, medicine, diplomatic and judicial communities," Lee said. "The number of public servants has already reached 51 percent men and 49 percent women."

Lee also said that the ratio of women among lawmakers and senior government officials has also been on a steady rise, with three of the five major political parties having female leaders.

The new government of President Moon Jae-in filled more than 30 percent of its first Cabinet members with women, he said.

"South Korea has steadily worked hard to realize gender equality," Lee said. "The new government of South Korea is trying to remove discrimination against women in employment, pay and promotions. ... The glass ceiling is a useless barrier that impedes the advancement of the country and the human society." (Yonhap)