Yoon Hong-sik: "Basic Income is One Measure for Income Security... New Welfare is a Bigger Framework"

Mention of Basic Income in 'Innovative Inclusive Nation Future Vision' Special Lecture on the 25th
Following Former Cheong Wa Dae Senior Secretary Kim Yeonmyeong, Inha University Social Welfare Professor Yoon Hongsik Says "Income Security Alone Cannot Address Complex Risks"
"New Welfare System Is a Welfare System Beyond Income Security"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is concretizing his new welfare system concept in response to Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's basic income proposal. Since both basic income and the new welfare system present future visions within the broad framework of 'welfare,' it should be viewed not as a 'conflict' but as an opportunity to harness energy together. However, the new welfare system is differentiated by being more comprehensive than basic income.

On the 25th, the parliamentary research group 'Innovative Inclusive National Future Vision' held a special lecture titled 'Creating a New Welfare State' in Yeouido, Seoul. This group, composed of lawmakers close to Lee Nak-yeon, also featured Kim Yeon-myeong, former Blue House social secretary who participated in designing the new welfare system, giving a lecture on Lee's new welfare vision on the 17th. He criticized Governor Lee Jae-myung's basic income as "not a panacea."

The lecturer that day, Professor Yoon Hong-sik of Inha University’s Department of Social Welfare, said, "There is no need to think of the new welfare system and Governor Lee Jae-myung’s basic income in a dichotomous way," but added, "The new welfare system can be accepted within a larger framework," evaluating the new welfare system concept as more comprehensive compared to the basic income proposed by Governor Lee. Professor Yoon stated, "Korea is facing conditions where it can no longer grow by relying solely on exports," and said, "At a time when balanced growth between 'domestic demand' and 'exports' is necessary, the welfare system that can support this is the 'new welfare system.'" He emphasized, "Income security is one of the core welfare principles pursued by the new welfare system, but income security alone cannot adequately help citizens respond to complex risks."

Professor Yoon explained, "The new welfare system is not simply a vision to increase welfare spending to create a large welfare state," but "a welfare system that responds to the complex risks faced by citizens beyond income security."

He also mentioned that while the current welfare system only offers a 'minimum guarantee,' the new welfare system aims to support the middle class’s livelihood through guarantees of 'minimum living standards' and 'adequate living standards.' This is a concept that provides proactive measures against poverty and inequality issues.

During the Q&A session following the lecture, Park Kwang-on, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "You mentioned that basic income is 'one of several measures for income security,' but looking at basic income, it seems the concept is still not clearly defined and is being used ambiguously," inquiring about his views on Governor Lee’s concept of basic income.

In response, Professor Yoon said, "Governor Lee’s basic income and the new welfare system are not contradictory," adding, "It is not a matter of choice, but rather the new welfare system is accepted within a larger framework."

He also pointed out Governor Lee’s plan to provide basic income annually in stages, saying, "Multiplying that amount by 50 million citizens results in a scale beyond imagination and is unfeasible." Professor Yoon diagnosed, "Therefore, the consideration is to set it at a lower level and talk about transitional basic income such as child basic income and youth basic income, which were previously called universal social allowances."

However, he evaluated the discussion of basic income itself as meaningful. Professor Yoon said, "It has sparked debate (about welfare)," and added, "I believe this energy can be harnessed rather than leading to conflict."

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