Lee Jae-myung: "Is Yoon Seok-yeol's fairness applying basic rights differently based on wealth?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said on the 2nd about former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's so-called 'adulterated food remark,' "I was dumbfounded. I can't believe that there is talk about allowing poor people to at least choose food below adulterated food."

In a post titled "Candidate Yoon Seok-yeol, poison is not medicine" on social media (SNS) that morning, Lee said, "I was dumbfounded. I doubted my eyes when I saw Candidate Yoon quoting neoliberal economist Milton Friedman and making this remark."

Lee said, "In 21st century Korea, recognized as a G-8 power, I can't believe there is talk about allowing poor people to at least choose food below adulterated food," adding, "The basic duty of the state is to protect the life and safety of its citizens. Therefore, the state must ensure that healthy and safe food is stably supplied to all citizens."

Earlier, on the 19th of last month, former Prosecutor General Yoon mentioned in a media interview an episode where his father, Yoon Ki-jung, Honorary Professor at Yonsei University, recommended the book 'Free to Choose' by American economist Milton Friedman. Yoon said, "I was very impressed by it." He said that during his time as a prosecutor, he felt uncomfortable when superiors ordered crackdowns, and added, "Friedman said that unless the food causes illness or death, poor people should be allowed to choose and eat food even below adulterated food, at a low price."

Regarding Yoon's remarks, Lee said, "Is the role of the state as Candidate Yoon thinks to deregulate so that poor people can choose and eat food even below adulterated food? Is the basic right of citizens to health, hygiene, safety, and life something that can be applied differently depending on wealth, which is the fairness Candidate Yoon emphasizes?" He added, "I cannot help but ask what kind of country Candidate Yoon wants to create as president. Is it a country where poor people work '120 hours a week' and eat 'adulterated food or food below that'?"