Lee says multicultural family support resulting in 'reverse discrimination' cannot be justified

President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his plea on Saturday for a reassessment of multicultural family support initiatives in South Korea, arguing that any policy that could engender reverse discrimination is unjustifiable. The president shared his thoughts on social media in response to backlash following his suggestion to revise programs offering preferential treatment for multicultural families, such as discounted access to postpartum care centers.

Lee questioned whether mothers in multicultural families and those deemed national merit recipients should be treated equally when it comes to securing spots in government-funded postnatal facilities. The president's proposal, which originated from a conservative online community, has sparked controversy among liberals who argue that the move could fuel societal animosity.

Despite acknowledging the necessity of support for multicultural families, Lee maintains that such support should not be used to justify policies that are unreasonable or could lead to reverse discrimination.