Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon Disagree on 'Basic Income'... Will Ruling Party Presidential Candidates' Conflict Intensify?

Debate Over 'Basic Income'... Ruling Party Presidential Candidates' Tense Exchange
Lee Nak-yeon "No Place Like Alaska"
Lee Jae-myung "Must Overcome Inferiority Complex of Sadaejuui"

Lee Nak-yeon, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province, are repeatedly clashing over the issue of introducing 'basic income.' Some analysts suggest that the confrontation between the two leading presidential candidates of the ruling party, Lee and Lee, is becoming more serious. Previously, the two also expressed differing opinions on the method of distributing the COVID-19 'emergency disaster relief funds.'

On the 7th, Lee Jae-myung posted on his Facebook regarding basic income, stating, "As long as we break free from the inferiority complex of servitude and continue to challenge without giving up, we can lead the world." He then mentioned the idol group BTS and the films Parasite and Minari, emphasizing that "politics is about making the impossible possible."

He raised his voice, saying, "If we do not prematurely give up assuming something is impossible and continue to challenge, we can achieve what was once considered impossible in all areas?culture, society, economy, and politics. I am confident because I believe in the resilience of the Korean people, their high civic consciousness, and collective intelligence."

Later, Lee Jae-myung posted again on Facebook under the title "Basic Income is Possible and Necessary," reiterating the necessity of basic income by stating, "Just because there are no foreign examples does not mean it is impossible or that there is no reason not to do it. A qualitatively changed world requires qualitatively different new policies."

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Jae-myung's statements appear to be a rebuttal to Lee Nak-yeon's previously expressed negative views on basic income.

On the 2nd, during a meeting with reporters at the National Assembly, Lee Nak-yeon pointed out regarding Lee Jae-myung's proposed basic income plan, "Except for Alaska in the United States, no place implements it."

Alaska distributes a portion of the profits from oil sales to residents in the form of dividends. Given Alaska's abundant natural resources and small population, a basic income system may be feasible there, but it is understood that it would be difficult to apply in a typical country. Lee Nak-yeon added, "(Basic income) cannot replace the existing welfare system."

Some analysts suggest that the tension between the two leading presidential candidates of the ruling party, Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jae-myung, is intensifying. Previously, the two also clashed over the method of distributing COVID-19 emergency disaster relief funds.

In January, when Lee Jae-myung officially announced the payment of the 'second Gyeonggi Province disaster basic income,' Lee Nak-yeon indirectly criticized him by saying, "The party has basic guidelines that apply not only to Gyeonggi Province but also to local governments nationwide. Considering the quarantine situation, we should proceed together with the central government," emphasizing that selective payment welfare policies are appropriate in emergency situations like COVID-19.

In response, Lee Jae-myung did not withdraw his opinion on universal payment, stating, "Whether or not to provide disaster relief funds is not a matter of budget shortage but a political decision about the necessity of the policy and budget priorities."

Lee Jae-myung also directly rebutted Lee Nak-yeon by saying, "Seeing that Leader Lee consumes at local bakeries and even posts certification photos, it doesn't seem like he is trying to block consumption itself."

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