"Merger in Progress... Expected to Complete After Transition Team Finishes"
"No Politician Has Criticized 'Subway Protests' for 3-4 Months... Very Cowardly"
"Changing the Name to 'Future Family Ministry' Alone Could Cause Various Misunderstandings"
Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 5th Overseas Korean Policy Forum held on the 30th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building under the theme "Hopes for Overseas Korean Policies from the New Government." [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, commented on Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, stating that he would not take the position of prime minister in the new government but would "return to the party." Lee said, "First of all, I am very curious about which party he will be returning to."
On the 30th, Lee appeared on JTBC's "Newsroom" and responded to the host's question, "Ahn said he would return to the party. What role do you think he will take on if he returns to the party?" by saying, "The merger is currently underway, and I believe the merger will be completed once the transition committee finishes."
Lee said, "I think Ahn's capabilities can be manifested in various positions within the party," adding, "I will closely consult with Ahn to create a space where he can be active within the party."
Regarding the unfavorable views inside and outside the party due to conflicts with the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), he stated, "No politician has pointed this out in the past three to four months," and claimed, "This rather shows that they have been very cowardly on this issue."
When asked if his remarks could incite hatred, he said, "The word 'hatred' is a very serious term," emphasizing, "In our country, when something about persons with disabilities is mentioned or when the style of their protests is criticized, to label that as hatred is an overreaction."
He continued, "If any of my remarks contained expressions of hatred or exaggeration, I would like to be corrected," and questioned, "Is there a milder way to make such criticisms than this?"
Regarding the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family being expanded and reorganized into the Ministry of Future Families, he pointed out, "This is a different direction from what was envisioned during the election process," and said, "Simply changing the name to the Ministry of Future Families, in my opinion, could lead to various misunderstandings."
Lee added, "What we initially discussed was the separation of women's and family affairs. In the past, family affairs were handled by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs," and said, "In fact, youth and family affairs are closer to welfare work, so transferring these responsibilities could be another option."
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