Kim Boo-kyum's remark "People in their 20s don't know much about the Ministry of Gender Equality's track record" sparks opposition from the opposition party accusing it of belittling people in their 20s

Kim Boo-kyum "Ministry of Gender Equality Achieved Remarkable Success"
People Power Party "Words of Disrespect and Contempt Hurt the Youth"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Amid ongoing debates in the political sphere over the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF), Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum remarked that "people in their 20s are not well aware of MOGEF's legacy." In response, the People Power Party criticized, saying, "This reveals how dangerous and arrogant this administration's perception of youth is."

On the 9th, Prime Minister Kim appeared on KBS's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' and shared his thoughts on the recent debates surrounding MOGEF. The issue resurfaced as a political topic after Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, posted on Facebook on the 7th advocating for the "abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family."

Regarding calls for MOGEF's abolition, Kim stated, "There seems to be a significant misunderstanding about the role of MOGEF itself," adding, "Especially among men in their 20s, the very name 'MOGEF' has become a symbol of feminism, perceived as prioritizing women's rights while they feel they are actually suffering harm."

He continued, "MOGEF has performed well and achieved many accomplishments. Looking at history, it has clearly left a distinct legacy, but I think people in their 20s are not well aware of these aspects."

Prime Minister Kim emphasized that MOGEF has made significant contributions so far. He explained, "MOGEF was established just over 20 years ago. Its greatest achievement has been highlighting how precious gender equality is in our society, especially correcting the lack of social opportunities given to women."

On the 7th, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, posted the seven words "Abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family" on Facebook, to which Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party's presidential candidate, responded by posting "Strengthen the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family."
/Photo by Candidate Yoon, Candidate Sim Facebook captures

In response, the People Power Party pushed back, accusing Prime Minister Kim of belittling young people.

Hwang Gyu-hwan, spokesperson for the People Power Party's election campaign headquarters, issued a statement that day, saying, "It is inappropriate for the Prime Minister, who should remain neutral before the election, to effectively oppose the opposition candidate's pledge. This also reveals how dangerous and arrogant this administration's perception of youth is."

He added, "Why don't people in their 20s know about MOGEF? Because the youth of this administration view the world with the most wise and practical perspective. Therefore, they have clearly witnessed the divisive and conflict-inducing behavior of MOGEF, and since its 'harmful effects' have been more apparent than its 'legacy,' surveys show that support for abolishing MOGEF is highest among people in their 20s compared to other age groups."

He demanded, "Prime Minister Kim, who has hurt already struggling youth with words of disregard and belittlement instead of offering comfort and empathy amid this administration's incompetence and mismanagement, must immediately apologize to the youth and the public."

Meanwhile, regarding Yoon's pledge to abolish MOGEF, the Justice Party is advocating for strengthening the ministry. On the 8th, Justice Party presidential candidate Shim Sang-jung posted on Facebook, saying, "I cannot contain my anger seeing Yoon bring up MOGEF abolition as a result of reconciliation with Lee Jun-seok. I want to ask if a candidate who does not hesitate to divide youth by gender and incite discrimination and hatred just to recover falling approval ratings has any awareness as a leader."

She raised her voice, stating, "When women's human rights and safety are guaranteed, everyone's human rights and safety are guaranteed. Issues that men perceive as discrimination should be resolved on their own, not by undermining women's rights to compensate."

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