President Lee: Multicultural Policies Must Be Fair Across Regions

President Lee Jae-myung stated on November 1 that demands to correct issues in multicultural family support policies should not lead to exclusion or discrimination against these families. He reiterated the need to address the system's unreasonable aspects while maintaining consideration for multicultural families.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee emphasized that when evaluating policies, facts and fair principles should take precedence over ideological biases. He asserted, "Principles and facts should not vary based on any group or political advantage."

He explained that caring for socially vulnerable groups, including multicultural families, is a community responsibility. "Policies should be maintained when necessary, corrected when wrong, supplemented when lacking, and eliminated when unnecessary," he said.

President Lee pointed out that uncritical defense of a group's identity, even when unreasonable aspects are identified, could lead to a distortion where one cannot even call a bean a bean. He warned that an attitude that prevents questioning could undermine the intent of policies aimed at embracing multicultural families as equal citizens.

He also clarified that the direction of policy is to ensure that multicultural families enjoy equal rights and obligations as other members of society. He cautioned that neglecting unfairness or administrative blind spots under the guise of minority protection could be exploited by far-right hate-mongering and public division. He stressed that transparently correcting unreasonable elements in the system is essential to prevent the spread of extremism.

Regarding welfare policy, he proposed the need for a "social safety net" that thoroughly supports the lives of all citizens. He stated that trust in the fair and rational operation of the system is crucial for citizens to participate in solidarity and financial burdens.

President Lee noted that debates based on facts and reason can help prevent incitement and hatred, urging, "Let’s engage in vigorous discussions, but based on facts and reason."

Earlier, on October 28, President Lee expressed his intention to review the preferential treatment system for multicultural families in public postpartum care facilities, including consultations with local governments and amendments to enforcement ordinances.

This has sparked political controversy, with the People Power Party and the Justice Party demanding apologies, arguing that viewing support for multicultural families as special treatment could incite hatred and conflict.