Criticism of Selective Payments by Lee Jae-myung Draws Opposition's "You Can't Say a Word to Cho Kuk"

Lee Jae-myung "Resentment Toward Moon Administration Will Spread Like Wildfire"
Opposition: Lee Jae-myung Called "A Rugby Ball Governor Who Can Bounce Anywhere," "What Are the Standards of Fairness and Unfairness?"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung is holding a press conference appealing to the public regarding the metropolitan area outbreak of the novel coronavirus on the morning of the 20th of last month at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 6th, lawmakers from the People Power Party criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who labeled the selective distribution of disaster relief funds as "unfair," asking, "What is the standard of fairness?" Previously, Governor Lee had opposed selective distribution and insisted that disaster relief funds should be provided to all citizens.

On the same day, Governor Lee pointed out on his Facebook that the government's and ruling party's policy of selective distribution of disaster relief funds is causing "conflicts and confusion due to division, feelings of exclusion caused by being left out, and resentment and betrayal toward the Moon Jae-in administration, the Democratic Party, and even the nation and community, spreading like wildfire, which is clearly visible to me."

Quoting the phrase "불환빈 환불균 (不患貧 患不均)," meaning "people are angry not at poverty but at unfairness," Governor Lee expressed concern over selective support, saying, "In a democratic republic where the people are the owners, I am deeply afraid of the aftershocks that forced discrimination by representatives during a difficult and uncertain crisis will bring."

Photo by Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi-do, Facebook capture.

In response to Governor Lee's remarks, lawmakers from the People Power Party continued their criticism. Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, wrote on his Facebook that day, "I don't think fairness means everyone receiving the same amount," adding, "Through various government fiscal policies, it is fair that people with different circumstances can ultimately enjoy similar effects."

Regarding Governor Lee's characterization of the selective distribution decision as "forced discrimination by representatives," Governor Won said, "How could the government of the Republic of Korea ignore citizens struggling with the COVID-19 economic crisis and set a policy of targeted support?" He added, "These are not citizens who would resent the government for discrimination, demanding their share while neighbors are in survival crisis."

People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung also joined the criticism. He pointed out regarding the phrase "불환빈 환불균" mentioned by Governor Lee, "Governor Lee himself did not utter a single criticism during the Cho Kuk incident, which was the epitome of unfairness."

He continued, "Previously, he attacked Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, for criticizing President Moon, acting as the president’s protector, but today he curses President Moon even more strongly than Ahn, saying 'resentment toward the Moon administration is spreading like wildfire.' Truly, he is an unpredictable rugby ball governor," he said sharply.

Fellow party member Kwon Young-se also questioned on Facebook that day, "What is Governor Lee’s standard of fairness and unfairness?" and asked, "Is it fair that tax rates differ according to income and that those below a certain level are exempt from taxes?"

He added, "Fairness presupposes justice, and justice means 'to give each their due.' If shallow emotional populism begins to dominate our society, Venezuela will no longer be a distant place," he warned.

Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University, chairperson of the People Power Party’s Songpa-byeong district, said, "It is strange that the sage’s maxim that people are angrier at unfairness than poverty is cited in criticism of selective disaster relief support," emphasizing, "The people are angry at the Moon Jae-in administration, which thoroughly tramples and ignores fairness and justice."

He urged Governor Lee, "Stop blaming the entrenched corrupt forces and conservative media. I hope you properly face the current reality of the Republic of Korea and the present state of public sentiment," and added, "Please stop the 'grudge' criticism and focus on provincial administration now."