Lee Jae-myung: "Being a Populist Is Not Bad... I Will Continue to Practice Populism"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential pre-candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, announced the "Nationwide 10 Million Won Long-term Low-interest Loan Pledge" through a virtual press conference at a building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate and governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "I am recognized because I have successfully implemented many policies that are criticized as populism," adding, "I will continue to pursue populism."

On the 10th, Lee appeared on the pro-government YouTube channel 'Lee Dong-hyung TV' and responded to criticisms labeling his basic income policy as populism by saying, "As the governor of Gyeonggi Province, which is considered a political graveyard for presidential hopefuls, I receive relatively favorable evaluations because of these achievements."

He explained, "Being a populist is not inherently bad. Populism originally meant that it is better for the people themselves to make decisions rather than a few so-called elites who think they are superior dominating the world, but its meaning has been distorted over time."

He continued, "If you ask me to specifically point out what I have done wrong, no one can do it," asserting, "Policies like free school uniforms, free school meals, and free postpartum care were attacked as populism, but now everyone likes them and they have been expanded nationwide."

He emphasized, "Did I ever say to pay more taxes or take on debt? I have just thoroughly collected from those who hoard and avoid paying taxes to provide additional welfare support, and that is not a bad thing."

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