[Q&A] Yoon Seok-yeol: "Public institutions belong to the people... We should try the labor director system"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, expressed his support for the 'Labor Director System' that passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, saying, "I think it would be good to try it in public institutions."

On the 11th, Candidate Yoon held a New Year's press conference at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, and made this statement. He said, "Public institutions belong to the people," adding, "The government holds the personnel authority, but there may be concerns about moral hazard that the public worries about. Instead of the government monopolizing personnel authority, if people recommended by workers understand the company's situation and oversee operations, wouldn't it be possible to carry out things more fairly?"

He also added, "There is a question of whether the early closure of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant would have been possible if the Labor Director System had been in place."

When asked about criticism that "both labor and business sides raised their hands to win votes," he replied, "I think policies should consider the stance of the entire public," adding, "For any policy, there are supporters and opponents."

▼ Q&A below.

Q. What is the expected source and scale of funding for the 1 million won parental allowance?

▲ About 260,000 babies are born each year. So, if 12 million won (per child) is paid, I think it won't require a very large amount, and it will help relieve some of the economic burdens related to childbirth.

Q. The ruling party tried to introduce a 'rent freeze law' but faced criticism that it might frame landlords as 'bad landlords' and infringe on property rights. What do you think?

▲ The rent-sharing system is something I heard about ten days ago when I met self-employed small business owners in Jongno. It's called the 'Korean-style PPP,' which is already implemented in the U.S. It announced that when loans are given and the loan amount is used for rent, 50% repayment is waived. With the Korean-style loan system, 50% is borne by government finances. Since the economy is difficult and many vacancies exist, if prices are discounted, the government compensates and shares the pain together. However, small-scale landlords are exempted, and landlords will receive considerable compensation later through tax credits. The lost parts are sequentially returned as tax credits. This is a pain-sharing measure in an emergency situation.

Q. Please explain your specific growth targets. Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, announced the '555 Economic Pledge' under a transitional growth policy.

▲ I said I would double our potential growth rate. The current potential growth rate is about 2%, and I aim to raise it to 4%. The exact target number is not important. Setting a target is necessary to push forward work, and I think doubling the current growth rate is a reasonably achievable figure.

Q. Can issues like polarization and low growth be solved by an integrated ministry? Also, can the 1 million won allowance be a measure against low birth rates?

▲ Not an integrated ministry, but I said I plan to establish ministries to respond to such social issues. Especially for population issues, it is difficult for a specific ministry to handle. The causes include family problems and low birth rates, which were once viewed simply but now include economic issues and regional balanced development, covering very broad issues. For the happiness of the people, we focused on growth and welfare, but I am planning an organization that can respond well to various underlying social problems.

The 1 million won parental allowance is mainly called parental allowance in Germany and parental insurance in Sweden. Giving 1 million won does not mean people will definitely have children. To actually have children, cooperation among the state, individuals, and families is necessary. This 1 million won parental allowance can be seen as one part of that.

Q. Are you planning to establish a new ministry as an alternative to abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family?

▲ I am not talking about a ministry to respond to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Many people believe the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family did not fulfill the roles expected by the public. The roles expected when it was originally established will be fulfilled thoroughly to meet various administrative demands of the state, and from a broader perspective, we will look at social problems more comprehensively and respond accordingly.

Q. You have recently been focusing on appealing to the youth. There are criticisms that women are being left out as the focus is mainly on men in their 20s. What do you think?

▲ I have never said I would target 20s and 30s to win their votes. I said creating quality and sustainable jobs for young people’s normal and smooth social entry is important, not just targeting youth. Helping them secure jobs and housing to enter society is beneficial for all generations and serves the public interest.

Regarding the recent announcement of 2 million won monthly pay for soldiers, in the harsh security reality, those who continuously provide labor to employers and the state anywhere in society receive at least minimum wage. But making an exception only for young soldiers is no longer acceptable to the public as fair and reasonable. I have talked with many soldiers, and they are demanding this more than the welfare system we thought of. Their awareness has changed a lot. This is about fairness and common sense, and from the perspective of national budget priorities, it should not be delayed. The generation receiving higher pay and their parents can feel more secure about their responsibilities for their children. This helps the 40s and 50s generation as well, not just some men in their late teens and early 20s with military service obligations.

Q. You announced a market-centered philosophy, but your pledges involve large-scale finances and government-centered policies. How are your policies different from those of Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party regarding the root of regulation, private investment, and government seed money investment?

▲ Although I mentioned the crisis of democracy and market economy, the liberal democracy and market economy I talk about assume that everyone receives a basic level of economic ability and educational benefits. Through the market economy, fair competition, sanctions, and cost reduction create market dynamism. However, when market distribution causes polarization or vulnerable groups, it is right to build a strong safety net, whether selective or universal. What I am talking about today includes social safety nets, which coexist with the market economy system.

Q. People are curious, "So what will be the biggest difference between you as president and President Moon Jae-in?" If you had to pick one?

▲ I respect market principles and natural laws, and make decisions based on science and data. The difference is that I will appoint talents to the government and administrative services without any restrictions, solely based on ability, and make rational decisions based on science and data to propose reasonable alternatives.

Q. Do you think regime change is possible with a four-way race without unification?

▲ The issue of opposition unification is not something I should comment on while the election campaign is ongoing.

Q. Do you agree with Lee Jun-seok, the People Power Party leader’s 'generation encirclement theory'?

▲ I think the way to campaign is to explain faithfully to the entire public the necessity of regime change and what the new government can do for the people.

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