(LEAD) Lee visits southeastern province to inspect pilot basic income scheme

President Lee Jae Myung journeyed to North Gyeongsang Province on Saturday to inspect a government pilot program aimed at providing a monthly basic income to residents of rural towns facing population decline. In a subsequent social media update, Lee shared details of his unannounced visit, extending greetings to residents of Yeongyang and Cheongsong counties.

The Lee administration has implemented the basic income scheme, which offers 150,000 won (approximately US$112) per month in gift vouchers to eligible residents. Currently, 69 counties nationwide have been identified as population-declining regions, with 17 of them participating in the pilot program.

During his visit, Lee met with local residents and small business owners, expressing confidence in the basic income program's positive impact on livelihoods and the revitalization of local commercial districts. The president emphasized the importance of fostering farming and fishing communities where current residents can remain and new residents can settle.

Lee affirmed the government's commitment to expanding the basic income program to additional rural and fishing communities, with the goal of creating more thriving and sustainable local economies.