'People's Lives, People's Responsibility' Controversy Over Choi Jae-hyung's Remarks, Yoon Hee-sook Calls It "The Most Meaningful Topic of This Presidential Election"

"Power claiming to take responsibility for the people is ignorant"
"Look at what the Moon government, which promoted a 'responsible state,' has done"

Yoon Hee-sook, Member of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Amid widespread criticism from both ruling and opposition parties over former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's remark, "The people should be responsible for their own lives, so why should the government be responsible?", fellow party member Representative Yoon Hee-sook expressed the view that this is "one of the most meaningful topics of this presidential election."

On the 12th, Representative Yoon wrote on Facebook, "Instead of nitpicking the phrase 'What should the state be responsible for?', try expressing your thoughts," stating this.

Representative Yoon said, "Since the late 19th century, the greatest debate has been precisely 'What should the state be responsible for in the lives of its people?'" adding, "The principle that the state should play a role in removing various obstacles, including poverty, so that citizens can live freely, safely, and fully realize their potential has always been clear."

She continued, "However, since 'state responsibility' is inseparable from 'intervention and control,' indiscriminate expansion inevitably infringes on individual freedom," and pointed out, "Therefore, meaningful debate on the role of the state should not be about 'whether the state is responsible or not,' but about 'what and how' it should be."

She further analyzed, "The sweet words of power claiming to take responsibility for everything of the people are not only ignorant but essentially mean 'Come under my control, keep quiet, and I will give you what you need.'" She added, "To make people forget about being controlled, 'money throwing' is accompanied. This is why totalitarianism and populism often combine in countries where liberal democracy development is slow, including in Latin America."

Representative Yoon then criticized the current administration, saying, "Recall what the Moon Jae-in government, which advocated a 'state responsible for my life,' did. It ruined the country's economy and people's lives through reckless intervention." She also criticized the Democratic Party of Korea's proposed amendment to the Media Arbitration Act, saying, "They are pushing the 'media gag law' to confiscate 'freedom of expression.'"

She stated, "This is something political forces claiming liberalism could never even dream of," adding, "They talk about responsibility, but the reality is clear evidence that they are 'totalitarian forces that routinely violate fundamental rights.'"

Furthermore, she emphasized, "To properly set our future path, we must start by driving out political forces that 'nitpick words instead of engaging in proper debate,'" and "How about a state that protects the space for citizens to exercise creativity and autonomy while wholeheartedly caring for those left behind and marginalized? This is the future of the Republic of Korea I dream of."

Former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection and People Power Party presidential candidate Choi Jae-hyung is delivering a greeting at the Good Morning Roundtable held at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Meanwhile, former Chairman Choi responded to the flood of criticism from both ruling and opposition parties by saying, "They are nitpicking and clinging to words," rebutting the criticisms.

In a post on Facebook that day, former Chairman Choi said, "The phrase 'the state takes responsibility' means the state intervenes, and history tells us that this intervention can always lead to harsher control," adding, "Saying the government will take responsibility for all aspects of people's lives means intervening, controlling, and regulating, which is no different from moving toward totalitarianism. Are you saying we should go toward totalitarianism?"

He continued, "It is sweet talk and, furthermore, a fraud to say you will take responsibility when you cannot even take responsibility for people's lives," and emphasized, "Our people each strive to take responsibility for their own lives, and the government helps such citizens; that is proper governance and a liberal democratic system." He also added, "Of course, protecting the lives, safety, and property of the people and providing a social safety net is the state's foremost duty."

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