Unified Party effectively formalizes basic income... "Not a concrete step" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] The United Future Party has effectively formalized discussions on the basic income policy. However, it is explained that this does not represent a concrete step toward implementation. In particular, how to secure funding remains a key issue.

Kim Jong-in, the United Future Party's emergency committee chairman, attended a study meeting for first-term lawmakers at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 3rd and said, "The fundamental goal of politics is how to realize practical freedom and maximize material freedom."

His mention of "material freedom" is regarded as effectively formalizing the basic income policy. Shortly after Kim's appointment, there were expectations inside and outside the party that the emergency committee might propose basic income as its first legislative bill.

However, while acknowledging the necessity of basic income, he emphasized that it is not yet at a concrete stage. After the study meeting, Kim told reporters, "Basic income is not that simple. Even if there is consensus, it is difficult to implement without securing funding."

Later, right after visiting Lee Chae-han, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in the morning, he said, "At this stage, it is not the time to discuss basic income in detail," adding, "Basic income is not a simple measure that can be achieved just by talking about it. It is currently a buzzword, but it requires in-depth review, and it is not something we can decide on quickly whether to implement or not."

This suggests that while basic income is an important agenda reflecting the spirit of the times, sensitive issues such as finance require thorough discussion before concrete proposals can be made easily.

Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the emergency committee, also told reporters, "(Basic income) is a topic that can be discussed going forward," adding, "Formalizing basic income is not a matter that can be decided in a day or two, nor is it a simple issue that can be immediately presented, as indicated by the chairman's remarks."

Spokesperson Kim said, "It is true that we have reached a point where we need to support vulnerable groups even if it requires spending public funds," and added, "There may be concerns among traditional supporters, but conveying the chairman's remarks, 'We have not forgotten the basics. We move forward together' seems appropriate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.