Kim Kyung-soo Criticizes Basic Income ... Governor Reelected Despite Being Outside Presidential Election Spotlight

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, regarded as the legitimate successor of the pro-Roh and pro-Moon factions, directly criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's proposal to introduce 'basic income,' saying, "Basic income needs to be considered in the long term, but the idea of 'let's do it right now' or 'if we provide basic income, problems will be solved'?the 'basic income at every turn' approach?is wrong."

On the 24th, appearing on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Governor Kim said regarding the proposal to introduce basic income, "It is premature, so we need to observe more."

Governor Kim pointed out, "I understand that universal payment is being discussed because COVID-19 has caused widespread damage, but saying this should become the regular basic income is a different matter."

He also criticized in detail the 'annual payment of 500,000 won per person' proposed by Governor Lee as a short-term goal, saying it lacks feasibility.

He said, "If it is 500,000 won per person, the total annual budget would be 26 trillion won, and out of South Korea's annual budget of 558 trillion won, the R&D budget is 21 trillion won, the basic livelihood security budget is 13 trillion won, and the elderly basic pension is 14 trillion won," adding, "Where would we first distribute 26 trillion won now? There are cases like the suicide of a three-generation family, the elderly poverty rate is the highest among OECD countries, and the suicide rate is also number one. Wouldn't it be socially more urgent to give a little more to those people?"

However, he said, "Basic income needs to be considered in the long term," and "There is definitely a possibility that jobs will decrease due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

Governor Kim said, "When I said that, Governor Lee also accepted it by saying, 'I am not the kind of person who insists on basic income at every turn,' so that's fortunate," adding, "It is desirable to avoid sparking debates about what is more urgent now and how poor our welfare budget is."

Regarding Governor Lee's proposal to meet and talk in person, he said, "If he comes, he is always welcome."

Regarding the Democratic Party presidential primary, he said, "It is meaningful in itself that capable people from our party actively step forward to show the future and governing ability of the Democratic Party," and "The sight of those who are preparing diligently actively competing is a desirable model of democracy."

On the presidential challenge, he said, "The court ruling has not yet been made, so it does not seem appropriate to say how I will proceed on the assumption of innocence," and drew a line by saying, "What I consider most important now, what I really want to do as a politician, is the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Megacity."

He added, "As Governor of Gyeongnam Province, it is difficult to produce results in four years, so if possible, I want to challenge for re-election as Governor of Gyeongnam," and "I would say that upgrading and succeeding in national balanced development is an important task for me."