Lee Jae-myung: "Basic Income is an Essential Policy in the 4th Industrial Revolution Era"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, emphasized that "basic income is the only policy to guarantee a minimum livelihood and sustain the market economy in the era of the technological revolution."

On the 28th, at the 'Basic Income Local Government Council Regular Meeting' held at the Gyeonggi Province Central Cooperation Headquarters Seoul Office, with 59 out of 80 member local governments participating, Governor Lee stated, "(The world now) is heading toward an era of technological revolution where laborless economy and jobless growth are inevitable," adding, "Ultimately, there is no other policy than basic income that sustains a certain level of consumer demand to guarantee a minimum livelihood and maintain the market economy."

He continued, "I thought Gyeonggi Province was the first to provide local government-level basic income in the form of local currency, but later I learned that the Ulsan Ulju County Governor (Council Chairman) made the policy decision," and added, "Whether basic income will be implemented at the central government level is uncertain, but I hope it can be executed at least at the local government level. I sincerely have great expectations and gratitude for the determination and courage of the members."

Lee Seon-ho, Ulsan Ulju County Governor and Chairman of the Basic Income Local Government Council, said, "As technological development causes serious socio-economic inequalities such as income polarization and job reduction, the basic income system is the key to solving future social economic problems," and added, "We will strive to promote public discussion on basic income policies with local governments nationwide and play a pivotal role in systematically reflecting the voices of local governments hoping for legislation."

At the regular meeting, four agenda items were reviewed and approved to establish the operational foundation of the council: ▲ Basic Income Local Government Council membership fee plan ▲ Basic Income Local Government Council Secretariat organization regulations ▲ Basic Income Local Government Council seal regulations ▲ Basic Income Local Government Council budget, accounting, and goods management regulations.

The Basic Income Local Government Council is a consultative body composed of local governments that share the necessity and vision of basic income. It was first proposed by Governor Lee Jae-myung at the 40th Korea Association of Governors of Provinces and Cities in October 2018. Since then, Gyeonggi Province recruited local governments wishing to participate and jointly declared its launch with 36 local governments at the 1st Korea Basic Income Expo held in April 2019.

Subsequently, at the '2021 Korea Basic Income Expo' held on April 28 this year, the inaugural general meeting was held with 53 out of 75 member local governments participating. On May 12, the council completed the report on the formation of the administrative council to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. On the 16th, Gumi City became the first local government from Daegu and Gyeongbuk to join, bringing the total number of local governments participating in the Basic Income Local Government Council to 80.

Meanwhile, due to the spread of COVID-19, the event was held with only Governor Lee Jae-myung, Lee Seon-ho, Ulsan Ulju County Governor, Kwak Sang-wook, Osan Mayor, Kim Sam-ho, Gwangju Gwangsan District Mayor, and Park Jeong-hyun, Chungnam Buyeo County Governor, attending in person at the Gyeonggi Province Central Cooperation Headquarters Seoul Office. Other member local governments participated via video.

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