(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Nov. 2)

President Lee Jae Myung's controversial statements on affirmative action have raised concerns about his divisive rhetoric and its impact on social cohesion in South Korea. His remarks during a Cabinet meeting sparked controversy, leading him to issue a series of social media posts calling for a reassessment of policies for multicultural families.

While acknowledging the need to support multicultural families, his comments have been criticized as hate speech by labor unions and characterized as "hate politics" by the opposition. Lee's demands for a public apology from media outlets have been seen as an attempt to pressure and embarrass them rather than resolve the issue. Despite the criticism, he continues to advocate for equal treatment of disadvantaged multicultural families and challenges the assumption that all multicultural families are marginalized.

With the foreign-born population in Korea steadily growing, Lee's rhetoric risks undermining efforts to promote social cohesion and inclusivity.