Yoon Seok-yeol: "Feminism Politically Exploited to Block Male-Female Relationships... Solution is Growth"

"Feminism Should Also Be Healthy Feminism"

Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential candidate who joined the People Power Party, attended an invited lecture at the People Power Party's freshman meeting "Myeongbulheojeon Conservative Season 5" held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, shaking hands with Yang Geum-hee, a member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the 2nd, "Feminism is being politically exploited to hinder relationships between men and women." He proposed growth as a solution to gender conflicts.

At a lecture of the 'Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda,' a group of first-term lawmakers from the People Power Party, when Rep. Kim Seon-kyo of the People Power Party was asked about solutions to the low birthrate issue, he replied, "I recently read that feminism is being politically exploited to emotionally block even healthy relationships between men and women," adding, "From a societal perspective, the structural conditions to get married, have children, and raise them are so inadequate that it causes a complex problem. We have spent a huge amount of taxes on reactive measures such as in vitro fertilization costs and childbirth incentives."

Earlier, when Rep. Yang Geum-hee of the People Power Party asked, "Last week, there were news reports about the mural in Jongno and athlete Ansan from the Olympics. Inside, there are issues like misogyny. Going further, it even reaches the level of personal character assassination. There are gender conflicts and gender equality issues; what is the plan to integrate these?" Yoon responded, "Economic growth through institutional improvements and deregulation can solve this."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon argued that in an era of low growth, conflicts inevitably arise in any field, and the solution is growth. He said, "The fundamental solution is to increase the growth rate so that even those who benefit less from growth can feel some improvement in their circumstances through institutional innovation and deregulation, thereby injecting economic dynamism," adding, "Intellectuals, politicians, and many who lead public opinion should guide these conflicts to be resolved from a more intellectual perspective." He also stated, "Feminism should be healthy feminism; it should not be used just to gain electoral advantage or extend political power."

Regarding violence against women, he said, "Gender equality is stipulated in the constitution, but to guarantee it more practically, there are directions for women's policies," adding, "We must ensure that people can live in society without anxiety from violence or attacks." He also said, "If our awareness changes, even without using quotas, fair opportunities and rewards for women's social participation can be achieved."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon continued, "This is not only a women's issue but also applies to men who form families. How society supports career breaks due to childcare is important. If women's social participation increases this way, it will help growth," he added.