"Expansion of Military Service Credit and Mandatory Reflection in Salary Scales"… Reviving a System Abolished by the Moon Administration

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, announced on the 6th a youth pledge to mandatorily reflect military service experience in salary scales for all public institutions. This is interpreted as a strategy to regain the support of the male demographic in their 20s, commonly referred to as 'Lee Daenam', who had shifted their allegiance during the last presidential election.

On the 7th, in a pledge announced via his Facebook, he stated, "I will ensure that military service experience is fairly acknowledged and mandatorily reflected in salary scales at all public institutions." He added, "I will also expand the Military Service Credit for the National Pension to cover the entire service period."

The Moon Jae-in administration had previously limited the reflection of past military service in salary scales, arguing that it would be a 'double benefit' if it also influenced promotions. In contrast, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has pursued legislation to ensure the mandatory reflection of military service duration in salary scales at local governments and public institutions, leading to controversy. Lee's pledge effectively signifies a restoration and reinforcement of this system.

"Introduction of Virtual Asset ETFs and Inducing Reduction of Transaction Fees"

Lee also unveiled a pledge to improve the investment environment for virtual assets, which has garnered significant interest among the youth. He said, "We will introduce a virtual asset spot ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) and establish an integrated monitoring system to create a safe investment environment," adding, "We will also induce a reduction in transaction fees."

Additionally, he promised the introduction of 'Youth Tomorrow Filling Savings Season 2', commonly referred to as the 'Youth Future Savings' system, which is a savings incentive policy aimed at supporting young workers in accumulating wealth, previously well-received under the past administration.

Pledges on Youth Housing, Care, and Safety Included

Measures to alleviate housing insecurity are also noteworthy. Lee pledged to "significantly expand youth-customized public sales and high-quality public rentals," promising a supply-centered policy, and stated, "We will broaden the scope of monthly rent support for young households without property and strengthen tax credits."

Moreover, his pledges include strengthening the punishment of perpetrators through amendments to the special law on jeonse fraud, enhancing crime prevention systems for single-women households, and expanding tailored care support for young dual-income couples.

At the end of his pledge announcement, Lee remarked, "A society that provides opportunities to the youth will grow, but a society that neglects its youth will regress," asserting, "I will create a country where the youth can work, build assets, and live without worry."

Image Source: News1, "Listening Tour through Alleyways: Presidential Candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party speaks on the podium at Uirimji in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province on the afternoon of May 4, 2025." / News1