Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo officially launched a youth election task force for the presidential primary on the 15th, promising to promote pension reform reflecting the voices of young people and discover youth policies.
On that day, Kim attended a press conference declaring support from university students held at the campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, and noted, "I resonate with the concern that the National Pension, which both ruling and opposition parties agreed upon, is structured in a way that disadvantages young people. To create a sustainable national pension, a second national pension reform is necessary. If I become president, I will definitely achieve this."
He also said, "The biggest issue is jobs. There simply aren’t enough jobs available. I will work together to increase corporate investment, create more jobs, and establish high-tech jobs so that young people can successfully secure employment and achieve their goals around the world." He added, "Issues such as maternity leave, childcare, and private education have become a tremendous burden for young people, and the older generation must resolve these matters."
He emphasized that the voices of young people must be properly reflected in the policy-making processes for pension reform and extending retirement age. Kim stated, "When reforming the National Pension, many representatives from those in their 20s and 30s must be involved. Youth commissioners must participate across generations. Reform for young people happens when young people partake in the decision-making process," adding, "Youth representatives must be included in the social consensus organization for extending the retirement age." He continued, "I will ensure that the issues concerning youth can be discussed alongside their voices."
About 20 university students who declared their support for Kim presented a proposal for youth policies to him that day. The youth policy proposal reportedly includes measures related to ▲ pension reform ▲ labor and employment ▲ education concerning the challenges young people face.
They plan to not only deliver the policy proposal but also join Kim's campaign's "Youth Election Task Force" to actively engage in activities. Kim plans to delegate authority over youth pledges and policy development to the youth task force, enabling young people to handle everything from developing youth policies to promotion and organizational expansion.
The head of the youth task force is Choi In-ho, a 20-year-old councilor of Gwanak District in Seoul, who was elected as the youngest council member, while student activist Kim Hwa-rang was appointed as deputy head. Other members include ▲ Kim Ho-jun (Korea University) as director of the youth policy department ▲ Lee Byeong-gwan (Kookmin University) as director of the youth organization department ▲ Jeong Yeon-ho (Chosun University) as youth advisor.
Choi emphasized, "Former Minister Kim understands the realities of the youth generation better than anyone and is the only one with concrete solutions to address these concerns. Only Kim Moon-soo can build consensus with young people, engage them in politics, and help them solve the problems they face."