30 Million Won Upon Discharge? Ruling Party's Another 'Idaenam' Bill, What Do You Think? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Democratic Party Consoles 'Lee Daenam' After 4.7 By-Election Defeat

Former Leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon is reportedly considering a plan to provide 30 million won in social start-up funds to military veterans. Some critics argue that this move is aimed at winning the votes of 'Idaenam' (men in their 20s). Previously, after the Democratic Party's defeat in the April 7 by-elections, the party faced criticism for releasing military service-related policies such as a female conscription system and military service bonus points, which some said were fueling gender conflicts.

In a recorded YouTube interview on 'Lee Nak-yeon TV' on the 5th, Lee said, "I hope that men who were conscripted could be given about 30 million won as social start-up funds when they are discharged," adding, "It seems reasonable to provide them with an amount similar to or slightly more than what friends who did not serve in the military can save during that period, so they can sustain their livelihood until they find employment after discharge."

Regarding gender equality issues surrounding military service, he emphasized, "Gradually expanding the volunteer military system is the most rational solution at this stage."

Lee also shared a recent private meeting with young people, saying, "When I asked men in their 20s if they really want women to be conscripted together, many answered that they did not necessarily want that."

He continued, "I think there are feelings of deprivation, victim mentality, and anxiety about work felt by both men and women," adding, "Gender issues require a very delicate approach. I believe it is better to quietly minimize problems one by one rather than making a big fuss about them."

However, contrary to Lee's views, some criticize these moves as so-called 'Idaenam vote-seeking policies' following the April 7 by-election defeat. They argue that mentioning policies like female conscription and military service bonus points is aimed at winning the votes of men in their 20s.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-gi announced plans to propose legislation to treat military service members as national merit recipients. The bill reportedly includes provisions to grant bonus points (less than 3%) to veterans during hiring and promotion processes and to provide additional points for housing subscription applications.

Kim emphasized on his Facebook, "I will propose a bill to treat military service members as 'defense meritorious persons' and ensure its passage. Those who have dedicated themselves to the country will be taken care of by the state," adding, "Although it may not reach the level of existing national merit recipients, we will provide proper treatment fitting for defense 'meritorious persons' in employment, housing subscription, and social reintegration."

Fellow party member Jeon Yong-gi also proposed a bill mandating the reflection of military service experience in promotion evaluations at public enterprises (partial amendment to the Act on Support for Veterans). Jeon stated, "Duties and rights should be proportional, but appropriate compensation equivalent to military service obligations is not being received," and added, "We plan to discuss reintroducing military service bonus points." He further said, "If it cannot be reintroduced due to unconstitutionality, we should amend the constitution to ensure discharged soldiers receive at least minimal compensation."

Among some young people, there are critical views and distrust regarding these policies. They criticize them as hastily drafted bills aimed at winning votes following the election defeat.

A male university student in his 20s, Lee, raised his voice, saying, "If there was genuine interest in military issues and daily life of men in their 20s, such opinions should have come out much earlier." A 30-year-old office worker, Choi, said, "It seems like a policy for men in their 20s," adding, "It looks like a bill released with the presidential election in mind." He also added, "I am not sure how sophisticated such a bill is or how much it will actually help in daily life."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

There are also criticisms that the Democratic Party's policies for men in their 20s discriminate against women. Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized the Democratic Party's approach in a post on his Facebook on the 17th of last month, stating, "Despite men and women voting equally, only the 'Idaenam (men in their 20s)' vote is being talked about, and there is no mention of the 'Idaenyeo (women in their 20s)' vote anywhere," revealing that Korean society still reflects male chauvinism. He also cited a statement from a women's organization calling on the political sphere to stop its outdated anti-feminism (opposition to feminist movements).

Meanwhile, in this by-election, men in their 20s largely shifted their votes to the People Power Party, while women leaned toward third-party candidates advocating feminism and related issues. Over 70% of men in their 20s voted for the People Power Party in the Seoul mayoral election. In contrast, 15% of women voters in their 20s cast their votes for third-party candidates such as the Women's Party and independents.

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