Jang Donghyuk Criticizes President Lee's "Yeojeokyeo" Remark as a Sexist Joke Fueling Division

"What Young People Want Is Fair Opportunity"
Lee Junseok Also Urges a Serious Look at Gender Issues

Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jaemyung's remark that "it is understandable that women dislike other women," calling it "a statement that promotes division."

On the 19th, Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung's remark that "it is understandable for women to dislike other women," calling it "a statement that fosters division."

On the 19th, during the "2030 Youth Communication and Empathy Talk Concert," President Lee commented on gender conflict, saying, "It is regrettable to see young men and women divided and fighting," and added, "While I can understand women disliking other women, it is hard to imagine women disliking men or men disliking women." Jang Donghyuk took issue with this statement.

On his Facebook page that day, Jang Donghyuk stated, "This is a remark that encourages the 'yeojeokyeo' (a neologism meaning 'a woman's enemy is another woman') phenomenon," and pointed out, "What young people want is not sexist jokes, but fair opportunities and practical policy alternatives." He also warned, "If a leader who should be promoting national unity instead incites division, the consequences will fall on both the younger generation and the entire nation."

Lee Junseok, the leader of the Reform New Party, also voiced criticism of President Lee's remarks. Through social media, Lee Junseok said, "The very fact that the president casually uses the 'yeojeokyeo' frame, which is typically seen in online communities, at an official event is a disgrace to the nation's dignity," and added, "What young people truly need is a serious consideration of their reality-such as not owning a single home and facing a tough job market-not internet discourse."

He also raised issues with the gap between progressive circles' gender awareness and their words and actions. Lee Junseok remarked, "The reason why democratic and progressive parties are so hypocritical on gender issues is that their minds and mouths are disconnected," adding, "Their minds are filled with outdated gender stereotypes, but in trying to appeal to a particular gender, their true feelings sometimes slip out when they let their guard down."