Kang Hoon-sik "Democratic Party Must Transform into Senior-Friendly Party... Must Consider Social Participation Income"

"Social Participation Income Provides Both Material and Mental Prosperity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kang Hoon-sik, candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) party leader, stated on the 11th that the party must transform into an elder-friendly party and emphasized the need to consider "social participation income," such as grandchild care allowances.

On the same day, Kang said through social media (SNS), "If someone asks me about the two essentials for the DPK to regain power in five years, I would immediately say 'national balanced development' and 'elderly preparedness' in response to the younger generation." He added, "We must move beyond the boundaries confined to Honam and the metropolitan area to become a 'nationwide party' and evolve from a party that mainly appeals to the younger generation to an 'elder-friendly party.'"

He stated, "By 2025, one in five people will be aged 65 or older. If we do not reinvent ourselves as an 'elder-friendly party,' we will lose over 20% of voters entirely." He argued, "To solve issues of elder alienation and poverty, we must propose agendas that allow the elderly to enjoy materially and mentally prosperous lives."

Specifically, he said, "Both income security for old age and the fulfillment of social participation desires must be satisfied." He continued, "The pension issue, which only satisfies the former, is a separate matter. As a solution that satisfies both, elder employment, i.e., reemployment, is proposed." He further explained, "Not traditional labor but social contribution activities, such as elders caring for grandchildren, educating other elders, and volunteering, should be officially compensated by the state as 'social participation income.' This is not just the state 'handing out money' but recognizing social contributions, providing elders with both material and mental prosperity beyond reemployment. The Democratic Party must consider this."

Regarding the discussion on social participation income, he introduced, "Some local governments already provide grandchild care allowances. The Legislative Research Office has also mentioned that it could be considered as an alternative to basic income."

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