Make the Presidential Election a Basic Income Election... Basic Income Party and Support Groups Join Forces

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung]

Figures from various sectors including politics, civil society, and academia, who have been leading the introduction of basic income, have joined forces, declaring, "We will make the 2022 election a basic income election."

On the 14th, five organizations including the Basic Income Party, the Basic Income National Movement Headquarters, and the Basic Income Korea Network held an online press conference to announce the launch of the 'Basic Income Political Joint Action.'

Yong Hyein, a member of the Basic Income Party, stated, "We aim to realize a universal basic income system in South Korea through the presidential and local elections," adding, "We will unite the aspirations of many citizens who hope for the realization of basic income and form a strong public opinion to persuade the National Assembly and government to embrace the cause of basic income."

Ahn Hyosang, Executive Director of the Basic Income Korea Network, said, "Korean society needs social and ecological transformation. What is essential is a basic income that ensures economic stability for everyone," and added, "Basic income is a stable stepping stone that everyone can stand on together to create a better world."

Cha Heungdo, Operating Committee Chair of the National Movement Headquarters for Farmers' Basic Income, mentioned the recent basic income debates among presidential candidates, saying, "While public understanding and support for basic income are expanding nationwide, a strange phenomenon is occurring where politicians from both ruling and opposition parties attack basic income regardless of political orientation." He emphasized, "We will actively participate in the joint action to make 2022 the inaugural year for the realization of basic income."

Shin Jihye, Co-Representative of the Basic Income Party, said, "We will open the start of a fair economy based on basic income beginning with the presidential election," and added, "We will present a vision of a fair economy that shares a portion of big data and real estate profits, which rightfully belong to all citizens, as basic income."