Lee Jae-myung, who met Hong Jin-kyung and taught math, says "Benefits should also be given to those who did not attend university"

Lee Jae-myung "Core of Youth Issues? Lack of Opportunities"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is preparing for a broadcast at the '2022 Presidential Candidate Invitation Debate' hosted by the Korea Journalists Association and jointly organized by six broadcasting companies, held on the afternoon of the 11th at the Maeil Business Newspaper Media Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 11th, "Support should also be provided to those who cannot attend university."

On the same day, on the YouTube channel 'Gongbu-wang Jjincheonjae' hosted by broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung, Lee said, "When you go to university, you unknowingly receive an average of 20 to 30 million won in government support, including research support, professor support, and scholarships."

He continued, "Isn't it true that those who don't go to university receive no benefits?" and added, "People who don't go to university are also citizens, so shouldn't they receive at least some of the same benefits?"

He argued, "People who attend university are protected and supported by the state, so why shouldn't those who don't go to university receive support?" and said, "Let's give them the choice of what to do with that money."

When Hong Jin-kyung said, "I think some people might use the support money to drink and party," Lee replied, "Just because some people do that doesn't mean we should take away that opportunity from most people."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate. Photo by YouTube channel 'Gongbu Wang Jjincheonja' video screen capture.

He also said, "What is the core of youth issues? Why do men and women get divided, and why do metropolitan youth and local youth argue over the 'regional quota system' with opposing views? I believe the reason is a lack of opportunity," and analyzed, "The total amount of opportunities given to me is so small that if someone fails in a challenge or competition, there is no next chance."

He added, "The way to solve this problem is ultimately to restore growth," and said, "Some government investment is necessary, but increasing opportunities can alleviate this problem."

Regarding the growth recovery strategy, Lee emphasized the government's large-scale investment, saying, "The whole world is in crisis and at the same time in a period of great change." When Hong Jin-kyung asked, "Does the government have that much money?" Lee replied, "The government has a lot of money."

In response to questions about funding, he explained, "Increasing national debt means borrowing resources that the country will use in the future in advance," and said, "A person in their 20s now borrows 10 million won from themselves 20 years later, and the future self repays it then, which is more efficient."

He added, "It's borrowing from my future self," and said, "The country can do the same. That is national debt." He also said, "In this (period of great change) race, if we just move half a step faster than other countries, or at least quickly, opportunities will increase tremendously."

Meanwhile, while giving a math lecture to Hong Jin-kyung and other participants, Lee said, "I am quite good at math. The concepts are very clear," and added, "Maybe because of that tendency reflected in my politics, I don't speak ambiguously, and if something doesn't work, I say it doesn't, so I've often been called 'refreshing,' but also criticized for being 'too blunt.'"

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