Won Hee-ryong: "Calls to Abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality Are Divisive Populism... Even Within the Same Party, There Is Opposition"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, stated on the 20th that he opposes the calls to dismantle the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Ministry of Unification. He defined the demands to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family as "divisive populism" and expressed his opposition.

At a presidential candidate invitation debate hosted by the Korea Journalists Association on the same day, Governor Won said, "I oppose the calls to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Ministry of Unification," adding, "The reasons for their existence, which were created out of necessity, have not yet been fulfilled."

He criticized, "There are calls to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on the grounds that it stirs conflict between men and women, but suggesting that the resulting 2 trillion won budget be simply used for men is a typical example of the populist divisiveness we criticize in the ruling party."

He continued, "Our opposition party should not approach it that way," pointing out, "Saying it should be abolished because it stirs gender conflict actually stirs more gender conflict."

Governor Won said, "While there should be strong improvement measures for issues such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family not properly handling sexual harassment and other matters, in Germany, there is a Ministry of Women, Youth, and Seniors that expands projects to practically enhance social equality."

He stated, "I cannot support divisive populism that calls for abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and giving its budget to men, even if it is from the same party."

Won’s remarks appear to be aimed at former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, a presidential candidate from the same party. Yoo had proposed abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and reallocating its overlapping budget with other ministries to introduce a Korean-style ‘G.I. Bill’ (a support law for discharged U.S. military veterans) for young people who have completed mandatory military service.

Meanwhile, regarding his low approval ratings, he said, "While I have no weaknesses and much experience, my shortcomings have been exposed," adding, "Whether the public will get to know and choose Won Hee-ryong, who has prepared experience and vision, and what kind of character he has, through communication with the people and the media, is a matter for later."

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