Law to provide 250,000 won to all Koreans passed... Vice Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety: ”It's unfortunate” = South Korea

Regarding the passage of the "Special Measures for Overcoming the Crisis in Civil Livelihood" (the "250,000 Won Support Act for All Citizens"), which provides 250,000 to 350,000 won in support to all citizens, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety Go Ki-dong
On the 18th, when the National Assembly's Administrative and Security Committee passed the Special Measures Act for Overcoming the Crisis in Civil Livelihoods, Vice Minister Taka said in his opening remarks, "This bill is based on the government's financial situation.
"The bill fails to take these factors into consideration sufficiently, and in order to provide the assistance funds as proposed in the bill, it will be necessary to issue government bonds, which will increase the national debt and increase the financial burden on the people," he said.
"Regarding the fact that the bill was passed despite the government expressing its cautious stance on the issue of whether or not to provide the benefit and its effects, there was no consensus among the public,"
"It is unfortunate. We also need the consent of the government, including the financial authorities," he explained. "I hope that the bill will be reasonably and thoroughly discussed in the remaining legislative process."
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has made clear its opposition to the law, with Lee Sang Min saying at a recent general meeting that it will "take a negative stance" on the 250,000 won subsidy for all citizens.
During the general meeting discussion, the vice minister expressed the view that "there are issues of unconstitutionality and the burden on national and local finances, and not only are we uncertain about the policy's effectiveness, but there are also issues with enforcement. It is difficult to agree."
Regarding the economic effect, he said, "I believe that only about 30% of the 2020 emergency disaster relief funds were spent, and the rest was saved or spent on things that were not intended to be spent."
"The loss would have been offset by alternative consumption. If we are going to spend money, it is more effective to spend it on those who are struggling financially," he emphasized. He added, "(This law) provides very detailed information on recipients, amounts, and allowances.
"It seems to me that the government's authority and discretion regarding finances is substantially eliminated and restricted, and I find it difficult to agree with it," he said.
The Special Measures Law for Overcoming the Civil Crisis was enacted in order to allow the national and local governments to take measures to overcome the civil crisis.
The bill includes provisions to provide administrative and financial support necessary for the payment of recovery support funds, and to provide support funds in the form of local love coupons to all citizens. The amount will range from 250,000 to 350,000 won depending on the recipient.
The scope of the above will be determined by Presidential Decree.