Policy Pledges Announced at Gwangju City Council
Total Budget of 80 Billion Won Allocated
Aiming to Revitalize the Local Consumption Cycle
Sangpil Moon, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 4th of last month at Gwangju Station Plaza in Buk-gu, Gwangju, officially announcing his candidacy for the Buk-gu mayoral election. Photo by Deputy Spokesperson Sangpil Moon
Moon Sangpil, a preliminary candidate for Buk-gu Office Chief in Gwangju, has pledged to provide a “Universal Happiness Support Fund” of 200,000 won per person to all residents, aiming to revive the local economy, which has been stagnating due to sustained price increases and shrinking consumption.
On March 3, Moon held a press conference in the briefing room of the Gwangju City Council, where he announced a wide range of key policy pledges, including this initiative.
The most notable pledge is the provision of the “Happiness Support Fund for All Residents.” Moon promised to distribute 200,000 won per person, twice a year (during Lunar New Year and Chuseok), to all residents registered in Buk-gu as of the payment reference date. The funds will be provided in the form of local currency (card or mobile) and will be strictly limited for use within Buk-gu, including traditional markets and small businesses, to ensure that the consumption effect directly benefits the local economy.
The total budget required for this pledge is estimated at approximately 80 billion won. Moon explained, “We will actively utilize the net general surplus, the Integrated Fiscal Stabilization Fund, and structural adjustments to unused and carried-over budgets,” adding, “The principle is to implement the plan gradually, taking fiscal soundness into account, without issuing new local bonds or incurring new debt.”
Regarding the universal payment method, he noted, “This approach minimizes administrative costs and social conflict that arise during the selection process, and is the fastest and most efficient way to restore consumption. The Happiness Support Fund will serve as a catalyst to revive traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts, creating a virtuous cycle in the local economy.”
In addition, Moon presented several future visions, including: establishing Buk-gu as a leading city in artificial intelligence (AI) mobility; building a hybrid quantum computing center; creating an integrated living area between Buk-gu and Damyang and opening a new north-south road; operating the integrated welfare program “Happy with Buk-gu”; and building a community based on cooperation among industry, academia, and local residents.
Moon stated, “The budget of Buk-gu should not remain just numbers on a desk, but must be returned to improve the lives of residents. I am determined to realize people-centered governance that is proven by results, not words.”
Meanwhile, Moon previously served as a 6th and 7th term member of the Gwangju City Council and as the National Committee Chair for Persons with Disabilities of the Democratic Party. He is currently Deputy Spokesperson and Special Advisor to the Party Leader of the Democratic Party.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
