[사설] 기초연금 개편, 월 3만원으로 ‘하후’라고 말할 수 있나

The government has decided to maintain the current threshold of 65 years old for the forthcoming basic pension payments, but will introduce a differentiated approach based on income levels. This new "hahohap" system will allocate pension amounts to three income categories: 38 million people receiving 38 million won, 174 million people receiving 35.9 million won, and 290 million people receiving 35 million won, based on their income recognition amount.

Currently, the pension for those below the 70% income threshold is set at 35 million won per month, similar to the previous year. Those in the lowest 30% of income will receive an additional 3 million won compared to last year. After adjusting for inflation, the real value of the pension will increase by 2.1 million won for the lowest income group, remain the same for the middle group, and decrease by 9,000 won for the highest income group.

While the government claims to be addressing poverty among elderly citizens by reducing the burden, the actual impact of the pension increase for the lowest 30% may seem insufficient. The reform proposal by the Yoo Seung-kul government, which promised to provide 40 million won to all recipients, has been dropped, leaving many feeling frustrated with the "hahohap" plan.

The government has also decided not to discuss this matter, further exacerbating the disappointment among low-income elderly citizens. Although the government has considered reducing the number of recipients by lowering the pension threshold to 90% of the median income by next year and 80% by 2030, the current reform maintains the existing standards.

Given the potential impact on recipients, the government's decision to adjust the reform pace is understandable. However, with the baby boom generation, who are generally better prepared for retirement, entering the elderly population, it is necessary to reconsider the pension threshold to achieve both fiscal stability and poverty alleviation for the elderly.

The complex issue of ensuring a minimum standard of living for the elderly, the maturity of national pensions, and the burden on future generations demands a thorough public discussion before designing a sustainable pension system.