Party and government ease selective payment conflict... Kim Sang-jo "No intention to disparage Governor Lee's logic"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Dong-pyo and Won Dara] The Blue House and the ruling party, which decided to selectively provide the second disaster relief fund, have moved to ease tensions with Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung.

Kim Sang-jo, Chief of the Blue House Policy Office, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 8th and said, "I personally know Governor Lee well, and I also know most of the experts who advocate for universal payments," adding, "I have no intention whatsoever to disparage their logic or sincerity."

Kim further explained, "There was a consideration about how to use the government's financial resources or policy tools most effectively," and said, "We sought ways to further improve the emergency disaster relief delivery system in our society and use it effectively, and the result is the (current) tailored comprehensive support measures."

Governor Lee also moved to ease tensions after President Moon Jae-in stated at the previous day’s senior secretaries and aides meeting that "disaster relief tailored to damage is an inevitable choice to maximize effectiveness with limited resources." On the same afternoon, Lee appeared on MBC Radio and said, "Once a policy is decided, I am not going to engage in anti-government struggles, nor should I demand universal payments," emphasizing that he should actively support the smooth implementation of the already decided policy.

Yang Hyang-ja, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, appeared on KBS Radio the same day and said, "I think the conflict arises from the wording of whether it is selective or universal support," adding, "First, it is right to support those in difficulty first, and since the party, government, and Blue House have all united and agreed on this, we should focus on helping those in need rather than political disputes." She refrained from directly mentioning Governor Lee. Meanwhile, Lee Sang-min, co-chair of the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee, and Assemblyman Seol Hoon, who have expressed positions in favor of universal payments within the Democratic Party, have remained silent.

The Blue House and the ruling party’s move to ease tensions comes amid a verbal dispute between Governor Lee, who has advocated for universal disaster relief payments, and lawmakers within the party. Given that Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party leader and a strong presidential contender, had already expressed support for selective payments, there was concern that internal party conflicts could escalate.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 6th, Governor Lee posted on his Facebook, "I clearly see the resentment and sense of betrayal toward the Moon Jae-in administration, the Democratic Party, and even the nation and community spreading like wildfire," and pointed out, "I also feel the deep smile of the entrenched forces and malicious conservative media behind the curtain, aiming for a comeback."

In response, Shin Dong-geun, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, publicly criticized, "Is there any reason for high-ranking officials like Governor Lee or myself to receive the relief fund?" He further emphasized, "The party, government, and Blue House have already decided on selective support centered on disaster victims, and I pointed out the issue of continuing to assert one’s own position on matters that have been agreed upon with the opposition party." The verbal dispute between Governor Lee and Shin sparked heated debates on the party’s bulletin board, with comments such as "Governor Lee should leave the party" and "Selective support is a policy that does not fit the Democratic Party."

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