Choi Jaehyung Considers "Sense of Deprivation" After Basic Income Exclusion
Two Installments of 300,000 Won Each via Prepaid Card
"Significant Impact on Household Finances and Local Businesses"
Local governments in North Chungcheong Province (Chungbuk) that were excluded from the government's selection of pilot areas for the basic income program for farming and fishing villages are now rushing to introduce their own "livelihood support fund" initiatives. Following Goesan County and Yeongdong County, Boeun County has announced plans to provide 600,000 won per person to all residents in the first half of next year, signaling the start of a full-fledged competition among local governments in Chungbuk to distribute livelihood support funds.
As the impact of introducing basic income spreads, particularly in rural areas suffering from severe population decline, a series of moves have emerged either to counterbalance this trend or to appease local sentiment. Some critics argue that these measures are populist spending aimed at the upcoming local elections.
"960 Billion Won Secured from Integrated Fiscal Stabilization Fund... To Be Paid Twice During Lunar New Year and Family Month"
On December 10, Choi Jaehyung, the governor of Boeun County, stated at a press briefing, "We plan to provide all residents with a total of 600,000 won in livelihood stabilization support funds, paid in two installments of 300,000 won each next year."
He explained, "We took into account the sense of deprivation among residents, as neighboring Okcheon County residents will receive 150,000 won per month in basic income for farming and fishing villages over the next two years." Since Okcheon County, the only pilot area selected in Chungbuk, will provide all residents with 150,000 won in local currency per month for two years starting next year, this measure aims to soothe relatively cooled local sentiment.
Boeun County plans to distribute the first installment around the Lunar New Year and the second during Family Month in May. Regarding the decision to split the payments, the county explained, "We will use the resident's address as of the payment date as the eligibility criterion to prevent fraudulent claims such as false registrations and to maintain the stable population." The governor added, "Although the entire amount comes from the county budget, we have already secured 96 billion won in the Integrated Fiscal Stabilization Fund, so there are no difficulties in securing resources." With Boeun County's population, including registered foreigners, at approximately 31,000, the estimated budget required is about 18.8 billion won.
The county will distribute the livelihood stabilization support funds as prepaid cards, not as local currency (Gyeolcho Boeun Card). A county official said, "By providing the support funds as prepaid cards with a usage period set until September next year, and applying a cashback rate of over 10% to the Gyeolcho Boeun Card, the impact on household finances and local businesses will be even greater."
Chungbuk Local Governments Not Selected for Basic Income Also Announce 'Livelihood Support Funds'
In Chungbuk Province, Okcheon County has been selected as a pilot area for the rural basic income program, planning to provide all residents with 150,000 KRW in local currency per month from 2026 to 2027. Following this, plans to distribute livelihood support funds are spreading like a domino effect. The Asia Business Daily DB · ChatGPT
In Chungbuk, plans to distribute livelihood support funds are spreading like a domino effect after Okcheon County was selected as a pilot area for the basic income program for farming and fishing villages and decided to provide all residents with 150,000 won in local currency per month from 2026 to 2027.
Goesan County announced on December 8 its plan to provide 500,000 won per person in livelihood support funds, while Yeongdong County is also considering a 500,000 won payment and has issued a legislative notice for the "Ordinance on Supporting Livelihood Economic Revitalization." Jecheon City and Danyang County are reportedly planning to provide 200,000 won per person.
The basic income program for farming and fishing villages is a government policy initiative to counter the risk of rural depopulation, with pilot projects to be implemented in ten regions nationwide next year and the following year. However, since the pilot project period coincides with the year of the local elections, cash-based welfare is spreading to neighboring regions as well.
"Cash Handouts Aimed at Local Elections," Critics Say... Concerns Over Fiscal Deterioration
Meanwhile, some criticize these measures as populist spending aimed at next year's local elections. While the basic income program for farming and fishing villages is funded by 40% national government funds, 30% provincial funds, and 30% county funds, the livelihood support funds must be fully financed by the respective local governments. There are concerns that local governments with a fiscal independence ratio of less than 10% may face financial strain as they secure up to 20 billion won in livelihood support funds.
Lee Sunyoung, Secretary General of the Chungbuk Citizens' Coalition for Participatory Autonomy, pointed out, "Okcheon County steadily prepared for the basic income pilot project and achieved results, but the situation is different for other local governments. While these policies claim to stabilize the livelihoods of ordinary people and boost the economy, the lack of policy consistency and the surge in cash handouts ahead of the elections are serious problems."
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