Kwon Seong-dong: "If Gender Equality and Feminism Are So Important, Do It With Your Own Money and Time"

Ministry of Gender Equality Opposes Criticism from Opposition and Related Groups over Suspension of 'Butter Knife Crew' Project

Kwon Seong-dong, Acting Leader of the People Power Party, is attending a virtual parliamentary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, commented on June 13 regarding the criticism from related organizations and the Democratic Party of Korea over the suspension of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's 'Butter Knife Crew' project, saying, "If gender equality and feminism are that important, then people should do it with their own money and time."

On the same day, Kwon stated on his social media, "If you want to eat, discuss, and have fun, do it with your own money. If you want to learn acting, driving, or sports, pay for the academy yourself. Should these things be funded by taxpayers' money?"

Kwon expressed regret, saying, "It is deplorable that taxpayers' money has been spent on projects like Butter Knife Crew for three years. One of Butter Knife Crew's projects rated Korean films on a gender equality index. They claim that the more female directors, female writers, and female characters appear, the higher the gender equality index. It is ridiculous to argue that a higher proportion of women means gender equality, so why support such projects with taxpayers' money?"

He also pointed out, "Among the organizations supported by Butter Knife Crew this year is a group called Feminist Wiki. It is said to provide detailed information on prostitution and even on how to destroy evidence and give false statements when caught by investigative agencies during prostitution crackdowns." He added, "On what grounds can the state support such a place? If their ideology is confident, they should seek the people's choice in the free market of ideas."

Kwon further stated, "Projects like Butter Knife Crew lack both public interest and productivity. They undermine the pride that the people of the Republic of Korea should have as taxpayers. Beyond suspending the project, the entire project should be audited," and concluded, "I will thoroughly scrutinize various support projects of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family going forward."