Yong Hye-in: "Lee Nak-yeon and Chung Sye-kyun's Basic Income Criticism... Imagination is Extremely Poor"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, sharply criticized Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who expressed critical views on basic income, saying, “The political philosophy and imagination of these two presidential candidates are extremely impoverished.”

At a press conference held on the morning of the 8th, Rep. Yong said, “(Their remarks) seem intended to check the recent basic income policy and the politicians advocating it as they have gained public attention.”

He explained, “If these statements reflect their true beliefs, it is very regrettable. Basic income and populism are as different as snowmen and humans. Basic income is a right to the common wealth inherited from previous generations by a society.”

Regarding Lee’s negative view that “except for Alaska, no place implements basic income,” he pointed out, “The reason Alaska provides basic income is not because of oil, but because a just agreement was made that the profits from Alaska’s natural resources belong to all residents,” adding, “What matters is not whether resources exist, but the philosophy and will to distribute the profits from resources justly.”

He continued, “If Lee and Prime Minister Chung are responsible politicians, they should not just say ‘there is no funding’ but find ways to secure funding,” emphasizing, “For example, by introducing a land holding tax to recover unearned income and distribute it as basic income, both asset inequality and income inequality can be reduced simultaneously. Saying basic income cannot be done due to lack of funds without considering such ideas is irresponsible.”

Rep. Yong proposed paying the existing child allowance as basic income. He stated, “I propose renaming the child allowance to Child and Youth Basic Income, gradually increasing it to 300,000 won per month until the age of 18, and allowing youths aged 14 and above to apply for and receive it directly if they wish, to support their economic activity experience and independence efforts.”

He added, “I am preparing legislation for this and will gather opinions from youth stakeholders to promote its enactment. Thus, the child allowance will become the ‘first basic income of life.’”

Addressing the two, he said, “Those who only think about the next election are politicians, but those who think about the next generation have the qualifications of politicians. Basic income is not populism but a legitimate right to what belongs to everyone,” adding, “Basic income is not impossible; it only requires courage and imagination. Show courage and imagination for the next generation, not the next election.”

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