Lee Jae-myung Supports Single Mother Broadcaster Sayuri: "Let's Not Uniform Family Structures"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, expressed support for Sayuri, a broadcaster who is a 'single mother' (a mother who had a child without getting married).

On the 1st, through Facebook, Governor Lee said, "I heard that there are some concerns regarding Sayuri's appearance on KBS's 'The Return of Superman,'" and added, "I want to see Sayuri's hard-fought parenting journey."

He explained, "Although it is somewhat unfamiliar even to me, who lives happily with my wife and two sons, just because my family form is happy does not mean I can impose it on everyone," adding, "Because family forms can vary greatly depending on each person's values, life paths, and environments."

He also stated, "If both mom and dad cannot spend time with their child due to long working hours, if they cannot take parental leave or even enjoy sufficient vacation together, it is hard to consider that a happy family," and added, "Instead of standardizing family forms institutionally or culturally, politics that change the actual patterns of our lives are needed."

He continued, "What we must fiercely protect is our lives living today, not the system or customs themselves," and suggested, "I understand that some people strongly oppose this, but wouldn't it be better to watch over (Sayuri) with a broad heart?"

Earlier, concerns arose that Sayuri (41), a Japan-born broadcaster who gave birth as a single mother, might be encouraging single parenthood with her appearance on KBS 2TV's star family observation variety show 'The Return of Superman.'

Some religious groups and netizens have posted opposition messages on the Blue House National Petition and KBS Viewer Rights Center, arguing that Sayuri's appearance on 'The Return of Superman' promotes single parenthood.

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