[K-Women Talk] The Era of Unity: The First Step Toward a Successful Government

Distribution Based on Fair Growth
The "Ministry of Gender Equality and Family" Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
A New Era of Coexistence and Solidarity Begins

At 6:21 a.m. on June 4, 2025, a historic moment unfolded as the new government was inaugurated. After enduring the shock of martial law and a long period of darkness marked by conflicting opinions on impeachment, this was a moment filled with hope that a truly new era was beginning. The inaugural address delivered by President Lee Jaemyung, who is ushering in the new administration, fully met these expectations.

The most striking part of the speech was the pledge to establish a "just and unified government, a flexible and pragmatic government." The word "unity" was directly mentioned five times in the address, and President Lee promised, "Regardless of whom you supported in the presidential election, I will become the 'president for all,' embracing and serving every citizen, in line with the deeper meaning of the call for great unity."

This emphasis resonated with citizens who have grown weary of exclusionary politics focused only on one's own support base, leading to division and conflict. Among the president's remarks, the phrase "Unity is a measure of competence, while division is the result of incompetence" was particularly refreshing and impactful. It was easy to relate to the idea that incompetence inevitably leads to policies and rhetoric that appeal only to one's own supporters, while a competent government can achieve both the growth and unity of the Republic of Korea. This statement was imbued with confidence in such a government.

The president's awareness of the issues was also on point, as reflected in his remarks: "Both individuals and the nation must grow in order to share," and "As opportunities diminish due to low growth, we are left not with competition to live together, but with a war where one must die for the other to survive. Young people, driven to extreme competition, have ended up fighting each other along gender lines."

Ultimately, the assertion that fair growth is essential for a society where sharing, coexistence, and solidarity are possible is self-evident, yet it resonates anew because we have witnessed this basic common sense collapse far too often.

Whether it is between men and women or between the younger and older generations, we must move forward together. By growing the pie together, there will be more to share among all. Among the president's pledges, the proposal to establish a "Ministry of Gender Equality and Family" drew particular attention. In fact, the current Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is already called the "Ministry of Gender Equality" in English. It is not a ministry for women only, but an institution that pursues diversity and implements policies to provide fair opportunities to those who are marginalized and excluded. For example, the Gender-Equal Recruitment Target System, as its name suggests, aims for gender equality, so both men and women are eligible beneficiaries.

Single-parent policies cover not only mother-child families but also father-child families. While more meticulous policies are needed to ensure substantive equality of opportunity and fair outcomes, the fundamental values being pursued are coexistence, solidarity, and unity. In order for the value of unity?emphasized and declared most strongly in the president's inaugural address?to be realized, the ministry's mission, organization, and functions must be well aligned.

"Unity" is a difficult task because it requires balancing diverse interests. I sincerely hope that the new administration, which aspires to be a competent and pragmatic government, will succeed and fulfill the promise to "become a president who ends the politics of division."

Kim Kyungseon, former Vice Minister of Gender Equality and Family