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Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), heads toward the podium while holding a young child in his arm at a campaign rally in front of Starfield Hanam in Gyeonggi Province, on May 20. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), voiced strong opposition on May 20 to the Democratic Party’s proposed “comprehensive anti-discrimination bill,” warning that “under this law, preventing someone like Cho Doo-soon from working as an elementary school security guard could be deemed discrimination.”

He added, “If sexual minorities receive employment benefits solely based on their identity, it could result in reverse discrimination against those who are not.”

In a televised address aired by TV Chosun under the theme of family, Kim criticized Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, stating, “Lee once said at a public event that he would ensure sexual minorities make up more than 30% of public and financial institutions and that he would enact an anti-discrimination law.”

Kim argued that the bill proposed by Democratic lawmakers stipulates that discrimination should be banned in all areas, including employment, based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and even criminal records.

“I do not believe a society like this can be healthy,” he said, stressing that while society must protect vulnerable groups from discrimination and offer them compassionate support, it must also defend the fundamental values it has upheld.

Reflecting on his past as a labor activist and public official, Kim said, “I speak about family today because it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to build and sustain ordinary families.”

He pointed to Korea’s record-low birthrate among OECD countries and the looming population cliff, noting, “Young people today struggle not only with childbirth but with marriage itself.”

Kim pledged to make Korea a country where the state supports families, enabling people to raise children happily, live without fear of retirement, and enjoy secure lifelong welfare.

As part of his plan, Kim proposed a new “3·3·3 housing policy” for young couples, under which those who get married would receive housing cost or loan interest support for three years, and for nine years if they have children. He also promised enhanced support for infertility treatment and pregnant women, as well as the creation of a “First Step Account” to help children build assets from birth to age 17.

Kim also unveiled measures to address the aging population, promising to realize a “Health Security Nation” free from fears over dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. He vowed to expand silver towns for working- and middle-class seniors, and to build more senior-friendly housing with integrated welfare services.

Key policy pledges include extending the operational hours of daycare centers and applying health insurance coverage to caregiving costs in nursing hospitals.

Concluding his speech, Kim emphasized, “This presidential election is critical in determining the direction of our society. I urge you to carefully consider who can truly protect the everyday lives of our families.”