Lee Jae-myung criticizes Yoon Seok-yeol for blaming feminism for low birth rates, calling it "ignorance revealed"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, directly criticized Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, who pointed to "feminism" (expansion of women's rights and opportunities) as the cause of low birth rates, saying he "revealed ignorance."

On the 4th, Lee posted on Facebook an article titled "Low birth rate issue? Raising the level of gender equality is the role of politics," stating, "The diagnosis and perception of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, who pointed to feminism as the cause of low birth rates, is quite worrisome," and criticized, "He once again revealed complete ignorance of the realities faced by women and youth."

He continued, "In low birth rate policies, 'gender equality' is considered an important value," adding, "This is because creating a gender-equal environment where women do not have to give up work due to childbirth and childcare is very important."

Furthermore, he advised, "For this reason, the 4th Basic Plan for Low Birth and Aging Society also prioritizes 'realization of gender equality,'" and explained, "The reason why the birth rate in our society is at its lowest now is not because women's awareness of gender equality is high, but because the overall level of gender equality in society is not supported."

He also stated, "The role of the political sphere is to alleviate gender discrimination in the labor market, improve the level of gender equality within families, and expand support for childbirth and childcare," and reiterated, "At least as a presidential candidate, one should respect the rights of young people who will choose and live their own lives, rather than blaming the cause of low birth rates on irrelevant factors. That is basic literacy and the minimum courtesy."

Earlier, regarding athlete An San, who won three gold medals in archery at the Tokyo Olympics, when feminism controversies arose domestically, Lee posted a message expressing active support, saying, "I oppose the sweat and effort achievements being overlaid with the language of discrimination."