Lee Jun-seok Reform Party Policy... Controversy Over 'Division' Within the Party

Elderly Free Ride and Mandatory Military Service for Men and Women Controversy
"Topics Needing Reform" VS "Concerns of Internal Opposition"
Heo Eun-a "Issues Should Be Brought to the Discussion Table for Debate"

There are divided opinions within the party regarding the criticism that the policies consecutively proposed by Lee Jun-seok's Reform New Party are 'divisive' pledges targeting socially vulnerable groups.

According to political circles on the 1st, the core of the divisive controversy among the current Reform New Party pledges centers on two main issues: 'abolishing free subway rides for those aged 65 and over' and 'mandatory military service for women when hiring public officials such as police and firefighters.' The Reform New Party argued for abolishing the free subway rides for the elderly, introduced in 1984, citing an annual social cost of 800 billion won. They also proposed mandatory military service regardless of gender for new public official hires in certain fields like police and firefighters, considering the decrease in military manpower.

Within the party, the prevailing view is that the party has courageously addressed sensitive topics that it had previously hesitated to reform due to concerns over losing voter support. One party member said, "We are not dividing society; we are talking about a society that is already divided," adding, "People feel discontent when social duties and rights are not fairly distributed." On the other hand, another party member criticized the pledge to abolish free rides for the elderly as politics that divide those aged 65 and over from those under 65. Some sympathize with the Reform New Party's policies but worry that the harsh expressions might increase internal resentment within the party.

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, is speaking at the welcoming ceremony for the first recruited talent of Korea's Hope held at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 30th. From the left, Lee Chang-han, former vice chairman of the Semiconductor Association, Lee Jun-seok, and Yang Hyang-ja, leader of Korea's Hope. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The debate continues in political circles as well. There are claims that mandating military service for women of childbearing age could further negatively impact South Korea, which records the world's lowest birthrate. Former People Power Party lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon emphasized the day before, "The birthrate is the worst in the world at about 0.8, so wouldn't mandatory military service for women lower the birthrate even more?" adding, "(The low birthrate issue) is a definite national risk factor that cannot be compared to military manpower supply issues."

The Reform New Party leadership stressed the importance of putting the divisive policy criticism on the discussion table. Reform New Party Supreme Council member Heo Eun-ah said on the radio that day, "If seniors aged 60 and over do not support us, it will be difficult for us to win (the general election). How could we be divisive?" She added, "It is also very irresponsible to tell local governments to handle the deficits caused by free rides on their own. Such issues need to be brought to the discussion table. I hope the two major parties also bring these agendas."