Yoon Seok-yeol: "Running for President is a Disastrous Act... Not an Honor for Me or My Family"

Yoon Seok-yeol "Taxing for carrying daily necessities is not normal"
"Feminism must also be healthy"

Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential candidate who joined the People Power Party, is giving a lecture at the People Power Party's freshman study group 'Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda Season 5' held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, said, "Until I retired as Prosecutor General, I never thought about challenging the presidency," adding, "(Running for president) is personally an unfortunate matter and a path to ruin."

On the 2nd, Yoon attended a study meeting for first-term lawmakers called "Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda" held at the National Assembly and gave a lecture titled "The Voice of the People Heard by Yoon Seok-yeol."

He emphasized repeatedly that his decision to run was not easy, saying, "Even though I was prepared to be criticized, I gave up honor and personal relationships for the sake of the people and the country, thinking I would really give it a try. If someone thinks of it as personal or family glory, that is a big mistake," and added, "If anyone thinks the presidency is an honorable path and challenges it, they should reconsider."

Throughout the lecture, Yoon launched strong criticism targeting the current administration. In particular, regarding the government's real estate policy, he raised his voice, saying, "What on earth are they thinking, forcing all citizens to become tenants and jeonse (long-term lease) residents?"

He continued about property tax, "A house is a necessity. I might understand if it’s a very expensive house, but taxing necessities like this is not normal," and questioned, "Do you think the people consider the tax system just and fair?"

Meanwhile, in response to lawmakers' questions about the 'female quota system,' Yoon said, "If our awareness changes a bit more, women’s fair social participation and compensation can be achieved without such quotas," adding, "Feminism should be healthy feminism."

He further stated, "From the perspective of a responsible politician, politics should reconcile conflicts, but provoking conflicts and riding on them is unproductive," and added, "Feminism should not be used to gain advantages in elections and extending power."

When asked about the causes of the low birthrate issue, he mentioned, "I recently came across a piece saying that feminism is being politically abused too much, emotionally blocking healthy relationships between men and women."

Yoon also expressed a negative view again on constitutional amendments such as the cabinet system raised by some in the political circle. He criticized, "Talking about the cabinet system or constitutional amendments right before the presidential election at the end of a regime is itself an insult to the constitution."