Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung salutes while attending the 'National Balanced Development Declaration Ceremony' held at Sejong City Culture and Arts Center on the afternoon of the 23rd. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, emphasized that "young people are also sovereign citizens who think rationally according to their own judgment."
On the 30th, Lee posted on his Facebook under the title "Young people simply reject the dichotomy of democratization and industrialization," stating, "There is much debate in the political sphere about the sentiments of young people."
Lee said, "Young people are sometimes criticized for becoming 'conservative,' and sometimes belittled as being 'intoxicated by progressive sentimentality.' Then, suddenly during elections, they are praised as 'rational and smart individuals.' Various interpretations arise, such as 'recent polls differ from those of the past few years,' but I do not believe that young people belong to any specific camp at this moment. They simply respond agilely to the flow of public sentiment at each time."
He added, "Sometimes, some criticize these young people for showing 'selective anger.' I sincerely hope they do not do so. The phenomenon called 'selective anger' actually means that young people's expectations differ for the two camps. Just four years ago, our youth were at the forefront of the candlelight protests that completely overthrew the incompetent and corrupt Park Geun-hye administration," he explained.
Furthermore, he said, "My perspective on youth sentiment is clear: not to view it sporadically. The only way to persuade them is through consistent words and actions, proving oneself with ability and results. Only when unfairness is corrected and polarization resolved to enable sustainable growth can we stand before young people as a responsible political force," he added.
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