President Lee Jae Myung’s repeated questioning of benefits for multicultural families has raised a question beyond policy fairness: Is he trying to broaden his appeal by challenging his own liberal base? Political analysts and other experts contacted by The Korea Times offered differing interpretations. Some viewed his remarks at official meetings and on social media as a deliberate effort to reclaim the political center. Others were less certain there was any coherent strategy. In the latest such remarks at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Lee said the government had a duty to support socially and economically disadvantaged people, but stressed that such assistance must also reflect the principles of fairness and reasonableness. “Even benefits that seem small or trivial can undermine public trust in the system if they continue without a reasonable basis,” he said. “This could not only undermine the foundations of sustainable policy but also give those seeking to incite hatred against vulnerable people a pretext for doing so.” Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon interpreted the remar