Lee Nak-yeon "Did Polarization Occur Because We Didn't Implement Basic Income?" vs Lee Jae-myung "Liking Jjajangmyeon Doesn't Mean Disliking Jjamppong"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 28th, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province and presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, and former party leader Lee Nak-yeon engaged in a debate over basic income as a measure to resolve polarization. Former leader Lee criticized Lee Jae-myung's basic income proposal, saying, "Are you saying that polarization occurred because the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in administrations did not implement basic income?" In response, Lee Jae-myung countered, "Liking Jajangmyeon does not mean disliking Jjamppong," adding, "Both selective and universal approaches are necessary."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the Democratic Party presidential candidate debate hosted by SBS that evening, former leader Lee said he still could not agree with Lee Jae-myung's claim that basic income is necessary to alleviate polarization. He criticized, "I cannot agree with the idea of collecting the same amount from both the rich and the poor and distributing it equally as a way to reduce polarization."

Lee Jae-myung pointed out, "You are only looking at one side and ignoring the other." He responded, "If new revenue is created but the rich only pay taxes and the poor only receive benefits, welfare will not increase. This is the welfare trap." He added, "Who would pay more taxes to help the poor? It must be done in a way that benefits everyone to reduce tax resistance."

Lee explained, "Carbon taxes are difficult due to resistance. Land holding taxes should also be implemented but are not. In such cases, imposing taxes and distributing them fairly is easier."

Former leader Lee then questioned, "So are you saying that polarization occurred because the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in administrations did not implement basic income?"

Lee Jae-myung replied, "Liking Jajangmyeon does not mean disliking Jjamppong. Both selective and universal approaches are necessary." He emphasized, "Nobel laureate economists argue that a minimum guaranteed income is necessary because future jobs may disappear, and global digital CEOs are also advocating for the introduction of basic income."

During Lee Jae-myung's response, former leader Lee interrupted to rebut, prompting Lee Jae-myung to say, "Please wait a moment. I ask for your concession while I am speaking," creating a tense atmosphere. Former leader Lee then said, "It's because I've been beaten so much by Lee Jae-myung," and the two candidates laughed it off together.

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