[Photo] Lee Jae-myung Meets Han Deok-su, "Why Did You Cut the Budget for Ordinary People?"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is having a conversation with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is having a conversation with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is moving for a private meeting after completing a public schedule with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Dong-joo] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on the 1st during a courtesy visit following his inauguration. At this meeting, Lee raised concerns about the government's 639 trillion won budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly, stating, "It would be good if you could take a closer look, but if the budget is insufficient, it is common sense to consider increasing fiscal resources. I don't understand why taxes are being cut for large corporations that exceed 300 billion won in operating profit, which is not urgent."

Additionally, Lee said, "Even 300,000 or 500,000 won can be a lifeline, so I hope there will be no neglect of anyone by cutting taxes that do not necessarily need to be reduced from the perspective of national finances." He added, "It may seem like I used aggressive language at a meeting meant for congratulations, but please understand that it was out of necessity."

In response, Prime Minister Han said, "I also agreed with that opinion," to which Lee requested, "Is it urgent enough to cut budgets for low-income rental housing and elderly welfare? Please give deeper consideration to the overall direction."

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