Lee Jae-myung on Social Welfare Day: "Welfare Is a Stepping Stone, Not an Obstacle to Growth"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, the leading presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, promised on the 7th, marking "Social Welfare Day," that "expanding welfare is the duty of the state" and pledged to "make Korea a truly advanced welfare state."

In a post titled "We Must Move Toward a Truly Advanced Welfare State" on Facebook that day, Lee said, "Today is the 22nd 'Social Welfare Day,'" and expressed his gratitude to "all social welfare workers who are always dedicated to the socially vulnerable."

He continued, "Expanding welfare is the duty of the state, and welfare is not charity but a rightful entitlement of the people," pointing out that "although our country has risen to the ranks of advanced economies, the proportion of public social welfare expenditure is only half the average of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries."

In particular, he emphasized, "The welfare system's effect on reducing inequality is insufficient, and social welfare blind spots still exist," adding, "There was a time when expanding welfare was seen as an obstacle to growth, but now welfare expansion has become a stepping stone for growth, and it is important that it leads to a 'virtuous cycle of growth, employment, and welfare.'"

He further explained, "Now our country must also rise to become an advanced welfare state," and "We must create a country that guarantees a minimum humane life from birth to the last moment of life, and the promise to implement the 'Five Major Care National Responsibility System' for the elderly, patients, disabled, children, and infants is part of that."

Lee also pledged, "Recently, due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the lives of vulnerable groups are increasingly threatened," and promised, "I will do my best to create a truly advanced welfare state that every citizen can feel, and also strive to improve the treatment of frontline social welfare workers."

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