SMEs Ministry’s “Win-Win Payback” Draws 9.39 Million Participants in Just Two Weeks

Kim Won: Improving the "Digital Barrier" for the Elderly is Essential

Won Kim, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

The "Win-Win Payback" policy, a consumption stimulus initiative by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, has attracted 9.39 million participants within just two weeks of its launch, receiving an enthusiastic response. However, concerns have been raised over the low participation rate among the elderly, highlighting the urgent need to improve digital accessibility. The Win-Win Payback program aims to boost domestic demand and revitalize local businesses by providing 20% of the monthly increase in card spending as digital Onnuri gift certificates until November.

According to data submitted by Assemblyman Won Kim (Mokpo, South Jeolla Province) of the Democratic Party of Korea to the National Assembly audit, as of September 30, the total number of applicants had reached approximately 9.39 million.

By region, Gyeonggi Province (approximately 2.53 million) and Seoul (1.91 million) accounted for the largest shares. In terms of age groups, those in their 30s (26%) and 40s (25%) made up more than half of all applicants, and when those in their 50s were included, the participation rate exceeded 70%.

In contrast, the application rate among those aged 60 and over was only 11%, and for those aged 80 and above, it was just 1.1%, indicating that participation declined with increasing age. This suggests that the digital app-based application and reimbursement process poses a significant barrier for the elderly.

In fact, of the 770,000 inquiries and complaints received by September 26, more than half were related to the application process and the digital Onnuri app, supporting this issue. Despite the high level of public interest, the exclusion of certain groups has been identified as a factor undermining the program’s effectiveness.

Assemblyman Kim stressed, "The fact that 9.39 million people applied within two weeks demonstrates the public’s keen interest in the Win-Win Payback program. Given that 1.3 trillion won has been allocated, the system must be carefully refined to ensure that the elderly and digitally vulnerable groups can participate without inconvenience, including support for in-person applications."