Lee Jae-myung: What Do You Think About 'Gyeonggi Food Just Given Away'?

Lee Jae-myung "Distribute All Funds Even If Misused" Emphasizes Support for Vulnerable Groups
Civilians "Protect Socially Disadvantaged" vs "One-Time Policy"

On the 4th, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, visited the Gwangmyeong City Food Market's 'Just Give Corner.' Photo by Gyeonggi Province.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] On the 4th, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung visited the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner,' which provides free food to those facing urgent livelihood crises, urging generous support. Citizens viewing this have shown mixed reactions.

While some responded that it is a well-intentioned policy, some netizens expressed negative opinions, calling it a "populist policy."

On the day, Governor Lee visited the Gwangmyeong City Gwangmyeong-dong Municipal Gwangmyeong Food Market, where the Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner is operated, to hear about the operation status and observe the usage process.

This corner was created as a measure to prevent so-called "Corona Jean Valjeans," who are economically struggling due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It started operating at three locations in the province on the 29th of last month to provide donated food and daily necessities to vulnerable groups.

When residents in need of food and daily necessities visit the food market business site, they are given priority to receive five types of donated items within the business site, such as instant bread, beverages, masks, and hygiene products, once per visit.

Regarding the reason for operating the corner, Governor Lee said, "I heard from the police that many people are caught stealing because they have nothing to eat these days, and I posted on social media asking how to prevent this. The response was that it would be better to just give to everyone who comes." He added, "Even if there is some abuse, if people come here, just give it all first, and if they come again, we can check."

He continued, "Formally, some people may not be eligible, but there are actually people who need support, so this will also have the effect of discovering such cases. The budget might be insufficient, but the province will take full responsibility in any way, so just give it all when they come," he emphasized.

On the 4th, at the Gwangmyeong City Food Market, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is receiving an explanation about the operation of the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner.' Photo by Gyeonggi Province.

Citizens' opinions are divided. Some say it is a good policy to help neighbors during the difficult times of COVID-19, but others expressed negative views, calling it a showy populist policy.

Seo, a 30-year-old office worker, said, "It is a much-needed policy that can practically help people who are economically struggling due to COVID-19. I actively support Governor Lee's efforts to protect socially vulnerable groups such as low-income people. I hope it will be expanded to other regions as well."

On the other hand, some netizens pointed out, "The intention is good, but if anyone is indiscriminately invited, people who do not really need it might come and abuse the system. Giving away food for free is not a fundamental solution for the vulnerable. It is a one-time populist policy that ends there."

Meanwhile, the province plans to select one welfare facility in each of the 31 cities and counties within this month to additionally install and operate the Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner.

Also, two homeless shelters in Bucheon City and Uijeongbu City will install the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Refrigerator' within this month, providing free rice cakes once per person per day until the daily supply runs out. Five homeless shelters in Suwon City, Seongnam City, Anyang City, Ansan City, and Siheung City will separately provide food coupons to homeless people who have difficulty visiting the facilities.

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