Governor Kim Dongon Presses Ruling Party Leadership for "60% National Funding" in Rural Basic Income Project

Leading a United Front of Six Counties,
Governor Kim Secures First Official Discussion on Raising National Funding
Jeong Cheongrae: "50% Is Insufficient, 60% Is Necessary"

Kim Dongon, Governor of Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province, visited the National Assembly to push for an increase in the national government’s share to 60% for the Rural Basic Income pilot project, successfully persuading the Democratic Party leadership to take action.

By directly presenting the harsh reality of rural areas with the lowest fiscal independence, Kim argued that “it is impossible for the pilot project to succeed under the current structure, where local governments shoulder 60% of the costs.” As a result, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae officially mentioned a specific increase rate for the first time, marking a significant achievement.

According to Cheongyang County on November 18, Governor Kim, along with the heads of six counties participating in the Rural Basic Income pilot project, visited the National Assembly on November 17 and delivered a proposal to raise the current national government funding ratio from 40% to at least 60%. This visit, which came just ten days after the initial visit on November 7, effectively signals the start of a full-scale effort to secure national funding.

On that day, Governor Kim met consecutively with Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae and National Assemblyman Park Suhyeon, emphasizing the inevitability of increasing national funding based on the fiscal conditions of the pilot regions.

He explained, “The fiscal independence rates in the pilot areas remain among the lowest in the country: Cheongyang 8.6%, Sunchang 8.3%, Shinan 8.9%, and Yeongyang 6.7%. In addition, the provincial government’s share varies by region from 10% to 30%, making it virtually impossible for local governments to secure their own funding.”

He further pointed out, “If the current structure is maintained, essential SOC projects and local investment initiatives will inevitably face delays. With local governments covering 60% of the costs, it is impossible to guarantee the success of this pilot project, which is a key presidential policy initiative.”

In response, leader Jeong Cheongrae stated, “The current 50% national funding is insufficient, considering the purpose of the pilot project and the fiscal situation on the ground. The national share should be raised to around 60% to ensure the project’s success.”

This is the first time the Democratic Party leadership has directly mentioned a specific increase rate, and Governor Kim’s extensive persuasion efforts are being credited with driving this substantive change.

Governor Kim is also exerting influence in the National Assembly’s standing committees. At the plenary session of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held on November 10, Democratic Party Assemblyman Lee Jaegwan officially referenced the joint proposal of the seven counties, stating, “It is not appropriate for local governments to bear 60% of the costs for a project that is essentially a national responsibility.”

In response, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Miryung replied, “I will discuss this with the Deputy Prime Minister,” opening the door to discussions on increasing national funding.

The six counties plan to hold a meeting in Cheongyang on November 19 to consolidate their commitment to the success of the pilot project, coordinate a joint response for increased national funding, and develop strategies to link related projects. This meeting, proposed by Governor Kim, is expected to serve as a watershed moment, translating parliamentary discussions into concrete action plans on the ground.

Governor Kim’s visit to the National Assembly is being seen as more than just a budget request; it is also being evaluated as a case where local governments have taken the lead in changing the direction of national policy.

Governor Kim emphasized, “The sustainability of rural areas is the nation’s responsibility and a challenge for the future. The seven counties will work together to create a successful model for the pilot project.”

Meanwhile, Cheongyang County plans to protect the local community and establish a sustainable rural model through the Rural Basic Income pilot project, with the increase in national funding emerging as the key variable that will determine the project’s success or failure.

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