Lee Jae-myung, Kim Jong-min Criticize 'Disaster Relief Fund Confusion,' Request "Please Consider People's Lives"

Kim Jong-min Targets Lee Jae-myung: "We Must Not Shake the Quarantine Posture"
Lee Jae-myung Responds to Kim Jong-min's Criticism: "Grateful for the Advice... Will Reflect Carefully"

Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Kim Jong-min, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the 'disaster relief fund for all residents' being promoted by some local governments including Gyeonggi Province on the 13th, while Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said, "If we do not engage in economic quarantine, we may have to pay a greater price."

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, Governor Lee said, "I will carefully consider and fully reflect on the concerns expressed."

He opened by saying, "As a member of the Democratic Party government, it is natural and important to align with both the central government and the party," adding, "I am grateful to Supreme Council Member Kim for his affectionate advice as a 'one team'."

He continued, "I fully agree that quarantine is the top priority and that universal and selective support are not matters of choosing one over the other," and said, "It is also a valid point that it should not cause polarization or harm national unity."

At the same time, he asked, "On the other hand, please also consider the lives of the people," noting, "No one has been unaffected by COVID-19, and the reality for self-employed people and small business owners is extremely difficult."

Finally, Governor Lee concluded, "Of course, I fully understand the concerns about potential confusion," and said, "Since the situation is urgent, I hope we can gather wisdom together to overcome this crisis. I will also give it thorough consideration."

Kim Jong-min, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Supreme Council Member Kim pointed out at the Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting in the morning, "Recently, some local governments including Gyeonggi Province have planned to provide disaster relief funds uniformly to all residents," adding, "Supporting all citizens and revitalizing the economy are important, but no measures should undermine quarantine efforts."

He continued, "To maintain quarantine measures, the central government and local governments must work together," criticizing, "Hasty policies not coordinated with quarantine authorities could cause confusion in the national quarantine network."

He also pointed out, "Local government disaster relief policies should not unintentionally cause polarization in support funds and harm national unity in responding to COVID-19," and said, "If some local governments provide special support simply because their financial situation allows it, we must carefully consider whether this could lead to relative deprivation among citizens of other local governments and cracks in the COVID-19 response system."

Supreme Council Member Kim appealed, "There are numerous strategies and ideas to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. However, the most important strategy beyond billions of won is to move forward together."

Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Provincial Council officially proposed a second disaster basic income of 100,000 won per resident to Gyeonggi Province. Governor Lee responded by saying, "I will carefully consider the payment of the second disaster basic income, including its amount, target, and timing, from the perspective of residents and the community."

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