Lee Nak-yeon Criticizes Basic Income: "Even the Proponent Doesn't Say Implement It Immediately"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 14th, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung's basic income agenda, which he triggered, saying, "There are several issues," and added, "Those who advocate for it (basic income) are not suggesting immediate implementation but rather a phased approach, such as 1 million won per year within a few years, or about 83,000 to 84,000 won per month, which is a slightly more modest step back."

In an interview with Yonhap News TV that afternoon, Lee said, "As income becomes unstable and economic inequality worsens, various ideas can emerge, and basic income seems to have come from such concerns."

He further explained, "The new welfare system can be implemented gradually, starting with urgent matters." Regarding criticisms that the new welfare system inevitably requires tax increases, he added, "Our society is currently moving toward 'low burden, medium welfare.' In the mid to long term, we must accept a slight increase in burden toward 'medium burden, medium welfare.' You should think of it as being insured."

Lee said, "Since 2012, the free Nuri curriculum has been implemented, but parents still bear some costs when sending their children to private kindergartens or private daycare centers," and added, "By 2025, compulsory education should start one year before elementary school admission, and by 2030, it should cover all children aged five and above."

He stated, "We need to prepare by increasing public kindergartens, ensuring private kindergartens and private daycare centers have adequate facilities to be recognized as educational institutions, or reaching social consensus to grant teaching qualifications to teachers at private kindergartens and private daycare centers." Regarding the controversy over the recorded transcript of Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su, he said, "The Chief Justice has explained and apologized. It is terrible that someone recorded and exposed conversations with trusted colleagues and juniors."

When asked about comparisons with Governor Lee Jae-myung, who is leading alone in the next presidential election polls, he said, "Everything has pros and cons. There is no place where the mountains are high, the valleys are deep, and transportation is convenient," and refrained from further comment.

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