People in their 20s and 30s are selected, while those in their 40s and 50s include the entire population
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] As the government is considering providing consumption stimulation support funds to the general public separately from the recently provided support funds for small business owners and self-employed individuals, a public opinion poll has revealed a close split between the views of 'universal payment' and 'selective payment.'
On the 11th, Gallup Korea conducted a survey from the 8th to the 10th among 1,003 people nationwide aged 18 and older regarding consumption stimulation support funds (three options presented in rotating order). The results showed that 38% responded that "it is better to provide support selectively considering income levels," while 37% said "it is better to provide support to all citizens regardless of income," showing a divided opinion. Those who answered "it is better not to provide support" accounted for 23%, and 3% were undecided.
By age group, those in their 20s and 30s leaned toward selective payment, while those in their 40s and 50s leaned toward universal payment.
Among people in their 20s and 30s, 49% each chose "selective payment," exceeding the overall average, whereas in their 40s and 50s, 47% and 43% respectively chose "universal payment," showing a contrast.
The opinion that "it is better not to provide support" was around 20% among those in their 20s to 40s, and 26% among those in their 50s and 60s or older.
Gallup explained, "This reflects voters' judgments after experiencing both the first round of universal disaster relief funds with a receipt rate exceeding 99% and the second to fourth rounds of selectively provided disaster relief funds."
They added, "During discussions on the second to fourth rounds of disaster relief funds, opinions favoring selective payment over universal payment were 10 to 15 percentage points higher."
Furthermore, they noted, "This time, unlike the first to fourth rounds, the question was asked under the premise that the support funds for consumption stimulation are for the general public separately from the support funds for small business owners and self-employed individuals, so simple numerical comparisons should not be made." They added, "This premise implies that support for some COVID-19 affected industries, a form of selective support, is being provided concurrently."
The response rate for this survey was 17% (1,003 respondents out of 6,052 calls), and the sampling error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the Gallup Korea website or the Central Election Survey Deliberation Commission website.
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