[2025 Audit] Kim Dongyeon: "Livelihood Coupons Were Appropriate... Will Take on Debt to Support in Difficult Times"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon stated that the "Disaster Basic Income" distributed to residents during former Governor Lee Jaemyung's term was an appropriate special measure, considering the COVID-19 situation at the time.

He also argued that the recent distribution of livelihood recovery consumption coupons by the Lee Jaemyung administration was an unavoidable choice due to the dire economic situation under the 12·3 Martial Law. Furthermore, he said that if Gyeonggi Province faces another economic crisis, the province will not hesitate to take on debt to support local self-employed individuals and small business owners.

On the 21st, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee audit of Gyeonggi Province held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building, Governor Kim received a related question from Assemblywoman Lee Dalhee of the People Power Party. He responded, "Of the 1.9 trillion won in principal distributed three times to residents under the name of Disaster Basic Income during former Governor Lee's term, 1.1 trillion won remains after repayments. Gyeonggi Province will continue to repay according to the repayment plan."

He further explained, "When the Disaster Basic Income was distributed by former Governor Lee, many citizens and their livelihoods were in decline due to COVID-19, the economy was struggling, and extraordinary measures were necessary."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon appeared at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee hearing on the 21st to discuss the current status of Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

He added, "Recently, in the case of the livelihood recovery consumption coupons, our economy was facing a severe crisis, with a sharp downturn due to the 12·3 Martial Law and other harsh economic conditions. Appropriate economic and fiscal policies are needed for such situations, and considering the COVID-19 crisis and the 12·3 Martial Law, extraordinary measures were required."

He continued, "Gyeonggi Province has sufficient fiscal capacity to handle such debt. If such a situation arises again, we will not hesitate to take on debt to protect livelihoods and support self-employed individuals and small business owners."

Earlier, during the audit, Assemblywoman Lee Dalhee said, "This year, Gyeonggi Province must pay 383.2 billion won in interest on the Disaster Basic Income distributed during Governor Lee Jaemyung's term. Interest payments will have to continue with residents' taxes until 2030, and I feel sympathy for the succeeding governor who must shoulder this burden."

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