Lee Jae-myung "To Ensure Society Grows Normally, Opportunities Must Be Given to Youth"

Lee, 'Conversation with Youth' at Chosun University... Time for Communication with Local Students

On the 29th at around 11 p.m., presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung held a "Dialogue with Young University Students" at the Performance Hall on the 6th floor of the College of Education, Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, invited by the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated, "For society to grow normally, opportunities must be given to the youth."

On the 29th, Lee held a communication session with students during the 'Dialogue with Young University Students' event held around 11 p.m. at the Performance Hall on the 6th floor of the College of Education, Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

This session, arranged at the invitation of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Chosun University, was conducted as a place to listen to and communicate with students and youth from regions outside the metropolitan area.

As Lee stepped onto the podium, enthusiastic cheers and applause followed. He entered while exchanging fist bumps with each seated student.

Lee said, "Actually, I prepared a speech in advance, but I will skip it all and listen to the students' opinions, suggestions, and questions before speaking."

He continued, "I strictly evaluate promises and keep those I make. Although my pledge fulfillment rate is high, I often hear that my 추진력 (drive) is risky," softening the atmosphere by saying, "If you have good alternatives, please share them."

He added, "I think if we put our heads together with the students, we can create good results."

Sharp questions followed regarding the situation faced by regional universities amid the extinction of local universities.

Lee Hyung-cheol, a student from the Department of Sports Industry at Chosun University, asked, "The crisis of local universities has been discussed for over ten years, but this year it feels like the crisis is becoming a reality. How do you plan to overcome the crisis of local universities?"

Lee responded, "The issue of local universities is actually a complex of various problems. The concentration of population in Seoul, the competitiveness of the local economy, the living environment where young people can reside, and the need to improve the quality of education," emphasizing, "We must significantly increase local budget support and educational infrastructure."

He further explained, "I believe that the way for universities and regions to survive is for the government to trust the people and boldly implement detailed balanced development policies."

Woo Ji-hwan, a student from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Chosun University, asked about Lee's thoughts on the regional talent recruitment system in public institutions, which is necessary for regional balanced development but is sometimes criticized as reverse discrimination.

Lee said, "Regional quotas are necessary, but we must increase the total opportunities for students so that young people in other regions, including the metropolitan area, who feel unfairly disadvantaged, do not suffer reverse discrimination."

He added, "Young people, unlike the older generation, have been exposed to a low-growth society. We need to consider how to rationally allocate resources in the current situation and how to increase the size of these resources."

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is having a "Dialogue with Young University Students" on the 6th floor performance hall of the College of Education at Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, invited by the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, around 11 p.m. on the 29th.

Lee also agreed with the need for more detailed youth policies raised by Park Ji-min, a student from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy.

Lee said, "Welfare policies for the youth generation, which has now become a vulnerable group, are urgent. The reality is that the state provides financial benefits, but young people are excluded. Giving opportunities to the youth is the way for society to grow normally."

When a disabled student in an electric wheelchair asked a difficult question with slow pronunciation, Lee listened attentively as if not to miss a single word.

Student Kim Dong-chan asked, "Regarding the death of Jeon Du-hwan related to the May 18 incident and the confiscation of fines, how will the next government resolve this, and how do you plan to investigate the still unrevealed truths?" The students applauded in unison.

Lee replied, "If inherited property is found, I think the confiscated fines should be regarded as debts, public debts, and fulfilled to the state," adding, "I believe it can be enforced without problems even now."

He further stated, "If it becomes an issue, laws can be made and applied retroactively. I do not think that would violate the constitution."

He also received various questions from political science students, including plans to promote policies for public-type private universities.

Lee showed a humble side by sitting on the podium and answering questions at the students' eye level.

When the lecture time was delayed, officials requested to wrap up, but seeing the students' sighs of regret, Lee postponed his subsequent schedule slightly and continued the dialogue with the students.

After the lecture, which lasted about an hour and a half, Lee took a group commemorative photo with the students, and the students lined up long to take pictures with him.

Yang Ju-young, a student from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy who attended the dialogue with Lee, said, "It was a good opportunity to learn about Lee Jae-myung's philosophy and beliefs, and I hope he will work hard for the development of local universities in the future."

Student Kim Sung-sik said, "I supported another candidate, but it was good to carefully listen to the philosophy of the opposing candidate today," adding, "Seeing Lee's human side at today's dialogue gave me a lot to think about."