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The Blue House

On June 3, the Blue House expressed a wait-and-see attitude about adopting universal basic income, stating that it’s “too soon” to talk about the idea for now.

“More debate is necessary about basic income which would mean the unconditional payment of living expenses to all citizens every month. There aren’t many examples of universal basic income being implemented,” a senior official at the Blue House told reporters on Wednesday.

Prior to that, Kim Chong-in, chair of the opposition United Future Party’s emergency committee, had raised the possibility of implementing universal basic income. “Formalistic liberty such as the idea that everyone is equal before the law is completely meaningless. We must make it possible or our citizens to enjoy material abundance,” Kim said.

“Universal basic income began with the concept of replacing the various welfare programs that are currently in place with a basic living allowance that’s paid every month, without any requirements, to every citizen. I think that would need considerable discussion,” the Blue House official said, with the caveat that this was the official’s personal opinion. The official explained that the measure would need a consensus from society and public support and that, at least for now, it’s premature.

“Presumably [Kim Chong-in] wasn’t suggesting that [basic income] be implemented right away. Given the huge cost of the program, we’d at least need to do some research about how other countries have funded their programs,” the official added.

By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter

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