Joo Jin-hyung: "Lee Jae-myung, Completely Trying to Shut People's Mouths... Narrow-minded"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Joo Jin-hyung, Supreme Council Member of the Open Democratic Party, criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung for posting a 'Tax and Fiscal Research Institute attack post' on his Facebook, saying, "Just because it is a national research institute, does that mean it can speak critically of the government?"

On the morning of the 18th, Supreme Council Member Joo appeared on KBS Radio and commented on Governor Lee Jae-myung's criticism of the Tax and Fiscal Research Institute, saying, "I want to ask the reverse question: does being a national research institute mean it cannot make critical remarks about government policies?"

Supreme Council Member Joo said, "This report is not a highly critical report. Because when giving 1 million won, the central government compensates by providing a 10% discount, but there is no need for the central government to provide additional subsidies. If you can't even make such a point, it means you want to completely silence people," adding, "From the perspective of researchers, I think it is acceptable to make such comments."

He also said, "But seeing them get so upset over this shows a small-mindedness, that's what I think."

Earlier, on the 16th, Governor Lee posted on his Facebook referring to the Tax and Fiscal Research Institute's report titled 'The Impact of the Introduction of Local Currency on the Local Economy,' stating, "A strict investigation and accountability are absolutely necessary regarding why such a foolish research result, close to a political claim that ignores the economic effects felt by the entire nation, was submitted at this time."

He also pointed out, "Why does the Tax and Fiscal Research Institute, which selects research topics in consultation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, produce results that lack timeliness and completeness and contradict the research results of other government research institutions and government policy directions?"

Kim Tae-nyeon, the Democratic Party floor leader, also supported Governor Lee. At the policy coordination meeting the previous day, Kim said, "Local currency has played a crucial role in revitalizing the local economy despite the COVID-19 situation," backing Governor Lee. Kim added, "We witnessed firsthand that it greatly helped economic revitalization, including small businesses," and said, "Next year's budget will significantly expand the issuance scale of local love gift certificates to 15 trillion won."

Meanwhile, Supreme Council Member Joo criticized the Democratic Party's ongoing plans for a "uniform 20,000 won nationwide communication fee payment" and selective disaster relief payments during the radio interview that day. Joo said, "In trying to quell criticism of stinginess, some unnecessary things were included," citing "the biggest example being the communication subsidy."

He said, "It completely contradicts the intention of selectively providing substantial support," adding, "It makes me think that the state is spending money too generously. While it's better than not giving anything, if they are going to give anyway, there are various ways besides communication fees, such as giving Onnuri gift certificates."

Regarding the selectively provided disaster relief funds, he said, "It feels like a hasty and cheap patch-up," and criticized, "When the second wave occurred on August 15, it was still difficult to judge whether the second wave would continue or subside. But since this is being used as a competitive issue in the ruling party's leadership race, the government seems to be responding relatively quickly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.