Jeong Sye-gyun "Expanding Income Support for Low-Income Groups Suffering from COVID-19"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun visited the Yeongwon (0 Won) Market, operated to support residents experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19, at the annex of Yeongdeungpo-gu Office in Seoul on the 23rd. After inspecting the site, he took a commemorative photo with the volunteers. 2021.1.23 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 23rd, "We plan to focus on promoting an inclusive return to daily life by expanding income support for low-income groups who are suffering more from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and by proactively identifying and supporting vulnerable groups in crisis situations."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung visited 'Yeong(0)won Market' located in the annex of Yeongdeungpo-gu Office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and said, "As COVID-19 has prolonged for over a year, the government is making every effort to restore the daily lives of the people as soon as possible."

Yeongwon Market is a place that has been providing free groceries and daily necessities to residents struggling with their livelihoods due to COVID-19 since the 18th. Any resident feeling economic hardship can use it. It is operated by Yeongdeungpo-gu Office, and the funds are raised through donations and sponsorships of goods from companies or individuals. It provides necessary items (worth about 30,000 KRW) such as groceries (rice, ramen, etc.) and daily necessities (toilet paper, shampoo, soap, etc.) free of charge.

Prime Minister Chung received a report on the operation status of Yeongwon Market from on-site officials and encouraged Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor Chae Hyun-il and other district office officials. Accompanying him on site were Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Min-seok and Kim Young-joo, as well as Yang Sung-il, the 1st Vice Minister of Health and Welfare.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Yeongwon Market is expected to serve as a timely relief for residents struggling with their livelihoods due to COVID-19," and added, "It is a model of good administration that practices the spirit of coexistence on the ground." He continued, "I hope this exemplary case will spread to other local governments," and urged, "I hope that sponsorships and donations from individuals and companies will be activated so that Yeongwon Market can be sustainably operated until COVID-19 is overcome."

Prime Minister Chung handed over a donation to Mayor Chae of Yeongdeungpo-gu to purchase necessary items for Yeongwon Market. He added, "If Yeongdeungpo-gu operates Yeongwon Market well and second and third markets can be created in other local governments, I expect it will mark a new chapter in our K-quarantine."

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