A Scheme That Only Pays Out to Those Who Apply Creates De Facto Inequality… President Lee Raises Concerns

President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday raised concerns about the way the 'first-time pension premium support program' is run, speaking at a Cabinet meeting. According to his remarks, the program covers the first month's premiums for young people aged 18 to 26 who enroll in the National Pension Service, provided they have never contributed to a pension before.

President Lee pointed out that "a structure in which only those who apply receive benefits creates de facto inequality," since under the program's rules, young people must apply themselves to receive the benefit and are excluded from support if they do not. At the Cabinet meeting, he explained the design intent, saying, "Covering everyone, regardless of whether they apply, would place too heavy a burden on the budget, so the program operates on the assumption that some will give up or fail to apply." He then retorted, "Isn't the state deceiving its people?" adding, "Can this be called a moral state?"

The President's remarks were directed at the way youth welfare programs are run, requiring young people to apply in order to receive benefits.