"Urgent Disaster Relief Fund Should Be Provided to All Citizens... 1 Million Won for a Family of Four"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea plans to expand the scope of emergency disaster relief payments to the entire population. Previously, the ruling party and government had agreed to provide emergency disaster relief payments to the bottom 70% of income earners in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Kang Hoon-sik, the Democratic Party’s chief spokesperson, held a briefing at the National Assembly on the morning of the 6th and stated, “The purpose of the emergency disaster relief payment is better fulfilled by providing it to every single citizen without exception.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Spokesperson Kang emphasized, “Citizens should not be divided by income or assets,” adding, “The emergency disaster relief payment should be a sign of the state comforting all its citizens and protecting every single one without exception.”

He said, “Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, also proposed on the 5th that emergency disaster relief payments be given to all citizens,” and added, “The Democratic Party will immediately begin consultations with the opposition to ensure that emergency disaster relief payments are provided to all citizens.” He further stated, “We strongly request that the National Assembly convene immediately after the general election to swiftly pass the supplementary budget bill for emergency disaster relief payments to all citizens.”

After the briefing, Chief Spokesperson Kang told reporters, “There were requests from lawmakers to expand the scope to the entire population, and I judged that a consensus regarding basic disaster income has been somewhat formed.” Regarding the scale, he said, “The discussion is based on 1 million won for a four-person household,” and added, “If payments are made to all citizens, it will cost about 13 trillion won, which is 4 trillion won more than the existing approximately 9 trillion won.”

It is known that full-scale discussions will take place after the April 15 general election. Chief Spokesperson Kang explained, “Until the general election, there is a concern about violating election laws, so it is difficult to hold party-government consultations. That is why we are making this proposal publicly.”