Lee Jun-seok "Lee Jae-myung's Restaurant Quota System? Nonsense Gala"

"Incompetence or Poor Design Exploited by Operators"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, was strongly criticized by Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who targeted Lee’s call for the necessity of a 'total permit system for restaurants,' saying, "If he spoke out of ignorance, this is why he is incompetent and exploited by business owners."

Earlier, on the 27th, candidate Lee Jae-myung visited Sinwon Market in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and said, "I am considering operating a total permit system for restaurants," adding, "It was said that it infringes on autonomy, so it was not done, but the total permit system is not a bad thing. It is not freedom to recklessly open restaurants and then fail."

He continued, "Philosophical debate is needed, but I think it is somewhat necessary. The freedom to commit suicide due to (self-employed business failure) is not freedom. It is not freedom to eat harmful food and starve to death," he added.

In response, on the 27th, Lee Jun-seok posted on his Facebook, saying, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung is starting a nonsense talk," and stated, "If he spoke out of ignorance, this is why he is incompetent and exploited by business owners, and if he is actually designing something, it is bad."

He then pointed out, "If this continues, Hwacheon Daeyu can establish 'Hwacheon Daeyu FnB' as a subsidiary and sell rights to open gimbap shops, pizza shops, and chicken shops in new town areas," indirectly criticizing candidate Lee by referring to Hwacheon Daeyu, which has been accused of receiving special favors in the Daejang-dong development project.

On the 27th, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, posted on his Facebook criticizing the remarks of Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Lee, leader's Facebook capture

Meanwhile, regarding candidate Lee’s remarks, there was significant criticism on the grounds that the state cannot restrict an individual’s freedom to start a business. Internet commentator Jo Eun-san, who became famous for posting a petition in the form of a memorial address called 'Seven Articles of Advice' on the Blue House’s public petition board, criticized on his blog on the 28th, "Should citizens who make a living have to ask permission from those in power to earn a living?"

On the other hand, food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik expressed agreement with candidate Lee’s claim. Through his Facebook, he argued, "There are too many restaurants relative to the population," and "It is definitely a problem that market entry is easy. Barriers must be set up. There should also be controls on franchise operators who excessively expand the size of the dining-out market." Hwang was appointed president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization in August but voluntarily resigned amid qualification controversies.