Democratic Party "We Will Revive Livelihood, Democracy, and Future"... Unveils 5 Major Basic Social Pledges

Lee Jae-myung Campaigns Across Chungbuk Region
Announces Five Major Policy Pledges Including Birth Basic Income

The Democratic Party of Korea and the Democratic Union, a satellite party of the opposition proportional representation bloc, jointly declared their vision for the general election on the 27th, one day before the official election campaign began, emphasizing "Reviving Livelihoods, Reviving Democracy, and Reviving the Future." Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, also announced the "Five Basic Social Policy Pledges."

On the same day, Lee and Yoon Young-duk and Baek Seung-ah, co-chairs of the Democratic Union’s standing election committee, held a joint election countermeasure committee meeting at the campaign office of candidate Kim Kyung-wook in Chungju, Chungbuk. They unveiled the general election vision summarized as "Reviving Livelihoods, Reviving Democracy, and Reviving the Future" and conducted a signing ceremony.

The election vision released by the two parties includes, under "Reviving Livelihoods," the application of health insurance to nursing care costs, the introduction of a youth pass, a 4.5-day workweek, and institutionalization of the prohibition of the comprehensive wage system. "Reviving Democracy" covers political reform, normalization of broadcasting, investigation of the Lee Chae-yang-myeong-ju incidents (Itaewon tragedy, Marine Corps soldier Chae Sang-byeong’s death in the line of duty, suspicions regarding the Yangpyeong-Seoul expressway, allegations of luxury handbag acceptance and stock manipulation involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee), and correcting historical narratives. "Reviving the Future" proposes addressing the climate crisis and low birth rates, restoring research and development (R&D) budgets, and supporting the semiconductor industry. The joint announcement of the election vision was arranged to demonstrate that the Democratic Union, as a satellite party of the Democratic Party, shares common goals. Committee Chair Yoon appealed, "Please vote wisely and calmly so that the public’s anger toward the Yoon Seok-yeol administration does not scatter."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the same venue, Lee also announced the "Five Basic Social Policy Pledges," which consolidate previous basic policy series, including a birth basic income. These include expanding child allowances from the current age limit of 8 to 17 years old, providing 200,000 KRW monthly, and supporting the establishment of a basic asset of 100 million KRW through a fund account by giving 100,000 KRW monthly from ages 0 to 18. To reduce burdens related to marriage and childbirth, a basic loan with a 15-year maturity will be offered, with loan forgiveness depending on the number of children. Other pledges include providing basic housing, free tuition at national universities, half-price tuition at private universities, expanding integrated nursing and caregiving services with health insurance coverage for nursing care costs, and supporting seniors by providing meals at senior centers on weekdays and gradually introducing voucher-type meals on weekends.

Lee said, "In a reality where it is difficult to even find a job immediately, we cannot leave South Korea as it is, where childbirth is just a dream due to burdens from marriage, childcare, caregiving, and housing costs. The Democratic Party will guarantee a basic life through the five basic social policies."

Following this, Lee plans to visit markets, shopping districts, and traditional markets in Chungju, Jecheon, and Cheongju.

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