Minsaengdang: "Disaster Relief Allowance Should Be 2 Million Won for a Four-Person Household"

"Payment Must Be Made in Cash, Not Local Currency"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Minsheng Party announced on the 8th that it proposes to provide a disaster relief allowance of 500,000 won per person, or 2 million won for a family of four, in cash to all citizens in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Son Hak-kyu, the standing election committee chairman of the Minsheng Party, held a "Resolution Rally Urging Acceptance of the 2 Million Won Disaster Relief Allowance" on the steps in front of the National Assembly main building that day, saying, "Now the Blue House must make a decision," and added, "President Moon Jae-in should no longer delay and immediately provide 500,000 won to all citizens so they can make ends meet right away and prevent stores from closing immediately."

Chairman Son emphasized, "The government has decided to provide a disaster relief allowance of 250,000 won to those with incomes below 70%, but due to confusion over the payment criteria and the payment date, it has drawn complaints from all our citizens," and added, "The Minsheng Party was the first to propose last Friday that all citizens be given a disaster support fund of 500,000 won each to sustain their livelihoods."

Chairman Son said, "Of course, there are criticisms about the risk of populism, but that is a problem to be solved later, and the priority now is to save lives," and added, "There is not much time left. We hope the Blue House will accept the implementation of the disaster relief allowance."

Jung Hye-sun, head of the Minsheng Party COVID-19 Countermeasures Headquarters, pointed out, "It is welcome that the government is considering providing support to all citizens, but the amount provided is still based on 1 million won per household, which is insufficient for young people, self-employed workers, and small business owners who are struggling."

Head Jung said, "The government plans to provide the payment in local currency, but this will not provide practical benefits to citizens who immediately need cash for interest or rent," and added, "It must be pushed to be paid in cash."