[Column] The 20,000 Won Mystery of Communication Fees

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[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Since the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and as the 4th supplementary budget bill took shape, the telecommunications fee support project remained a mystery from start to finish until the final plan was decided. Among the golden rules of reporting, especially the 'why' part was left unanswered regarding the puzzling 20,000 won. Why was the government so eager to give this 20,000 won to the people?

As a reporter who needs to examine government policies in a multi-dimensional way, it was a tough journey to find the reason why even within the ruling party and some parts of the relevant ministries, there was self-deprecation saying "we get criticized even if we give it," yet they insisted on giving this amount equivalent to the price of a chicken. No one clamored for it as necessary, and it was an amount that could be done with or without. President Moon Jae-in explained it as a 'small comfort and sincerity,' but in a situation where collecting 20,000 won here and there could lead to a national debt of 900 billion won, it was an unsatisfactory answer.

As it passed through the National Assembly, the telecommunications fee support was narrowed from 'all citizens' to 'those aged 16 to 34 and those 65 and older.' This means targeting high school students to mid-30s, and the elderly. The related budget was reduced from 928.9 billion won to 408.3 billion won, a cut of 520.6 billion won. However, the answer to 'why' was still elusive. Considering it as support for those with insufficient income or excluded from childcare and education support in the 4th supplementary budget is problematic because of the 'age 34' limit. Age 34 is one of two things: either completely excluded from the job market or employed with a rank such as assistant manager or manager in a private company.

For unemployed people in their 30s, a 20,000 won consolation is not even enough to warm a frozen spot, let alone relieve it. It would be more appropriate to guarantee sustainability through employment support projects. For assistant managers or managers working in companies, 20,000 won would be a token of sincerity equivalent to a free taxi fare replacing the crowded subway during a virus-ridden tiring morning.

However, after mobilizing my limited intelligence and sensitivity, I found the answer. This 20,000 won was a sophisticated 'K-Yongdon' (K-pocket money) that reenacts the Korean holiday scene of reluctantly handing over pocket money before Chuseok. Now, all that remains is to export this beautiful virtue along with K-quarantine.