President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 16th. December 16, 2025. Photo by Presidential Office Press Photographers Group Yonhap News Agency
"I happened to see the interview by chance while passing by, and it seems that the director in charge of Sinan County is extremely smart. Consider bringing him in or utilizing his expertise."
On December 16, during a Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong, President Lee Jae-myung mentioned the case of Sinan County while receiving a report from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment on the social solidarity economy. President Lee said, "In Sinan County, isn't there a mandatory allocation of about 30% for local residents if you want to carry out (renewable energy) projects? It seems like a very exemplary model." He added, "All counties nationwide are at risk of population extinction, but Sinan County has seen its population increase for several consecutive years thanks to the Sunshine Pension. I hope the speed of spreading this nationwide will accelerate."
A village in Sinan County receiving the Sunshine Pension. The placard saying "Because of the pension, it's really great" catches the eye. Sinan County
President Lee: "Sinan County ensures a clear share for residents in large-scale projects"
President Lee praised Sinan County, noting that the county systematically carries out large-scale projects and ensures a clear share for residents, which has allowed the Sunshine Pension to take root without resistance.
Since implementing the renewable energy profit-sharing policy in October 2018, Sinan County's cumulative revenue surpassed 30 billion won as of October 2025. The Sunshine Pension, first distributed nationwide in April 2021, has provided substantial economic benefits to local residents and has shown rapid annual growth.
The Sunshine Pension breaks away from the traditional renewable energy structure centered on power producers, serving as an innovative model where local residents participate in development profits. It is currently attracting attention from local governments and academia across the country. By distributing the Sunshine Pension in the form of local gift certificates, consumption is linked to the local economy, greatly contributing to increased sales for local businesses, job creation, and revitalization of the regional economy.
This year, the number of recipients of the Sunshine and Wind Pension expanded to 18,997, accounting for 49% of Sinan County's population. Once the 390-megawatt Sinan Ui Offshore Wind Power Plant, scheduled for completion in 2028, begins operations, it is expected that 100% of Sinan County residents will benefit from the pension.
Panoramic view of Jeonnam Offshore Wind Power located in the public waters northwest of Jaeundo, Sinan County, Jeonnam. Sinan County
Revenue surpasses 30 billion won, pension coverage expected to reach 100% within 3 years... Population inflow also increases
Additionally, since May 2023, Sinan County has introduced the Sunshine Child Allowance, providing 400,000 won per child to approximately 3,000 children under the age of 18 in the county. In 2024, the amount increased to 800,000 won, and in 2025, the plan is to provide a total of 1.2 million won per child, paid in monthly installments of 100,000 won, leading the way in improving child welfare.
Sinan County, designated as a population extinction risk area, had experienced a steady population decline since 2014. However, since the introduction of the Sunshine Pension in 2023, the population has increased for two consecutive years. Sinan County, which has the largest number of islands in South Korea, has a total of 1,028 islands. As the population increases, the number of inhabited islands is also rising, while uninhabited islands are decreasing. As of the end of December 2024, the net population increase, after accounting for both inflow and outflow, was 179 in 2023 and 136 in 2024. The number of inhabited islands increased from 77 to 81, with four new inhabited islands (Yongchuldo, Yeokseom, and Waeando in Aphae-eup, and Sodando in Jeungdo), while the number of uninhabited islands decreased from 951 to 947. Notably, in 2025, with the combined effect of the Sunshine and Wind Pensions, the population increased by 710 as of September 2025.
Kim Daein, Acting Mayor of Sinan County, stated, "Sinan County is actively utilizing clean energy resources, from solar to offshore wind, to create a sustainable structure that shares profits with residents. We hope that the basic income model proven by the Sunshine and Wind Pensions will spread nationwide."
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