[2023 National Audit] Finalizing the Designation of Small Business Disaster Relief Fund Recovery Targets

No Specific Recovery Plan in Place
Minister Lee Young: "Thorough Recovery of Fraudulent Benefits"

The final stages of setting the targets and amounts for the recovery of COVID-19 disaster relief funds for small business owners appear to be underway.

Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is taking an oath at the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee audit on the 12th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 12th, Lee Young, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, attended the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee's audit of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and stated, "The determination of the recovery targets and amounts is almost in the final stages."

Lee Jong-bae, a member of the People Power Party, explained, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups provided disaster relief funds in seven rounds," adding, "The Moon Jae-in administration should have pursued recovery in 2021, but it did not and left it unattended, so it has remained as is until now." Minister Lee responded, "That is correct."

A specific recovery plan has not yet been established. When Lee asked, "Is a recovery plan being pursued?" Minister Lee replied, "Not specifically."

Minister Lee then emphasized, "We will especially ensure thorough recovery in cases of fraudulent receipt."