[Anchor]

Next year's government budget is expected to surpass 800 trillion won for the first time in history. The government plans to intensively inject these increased state funds into future industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, as well as into revitalizing the youth and regional areas.

Reporter Chae Heesun has the details.

[Reporter]

The government and the Democratic Party have set the broad direction for the 2027 budget bill.

Previously, the Ministry of Planning and Budget announced that next year's budget would reach the 800 trillion won range, an increase of more than 10 percent compared to this year's initial budget of 729.9 trillion won.

This marks the compilation of the largest-ever "super budget," underpinned by tax revenue increases driven by the semiconductor boom. It is the first time since the 2009 global financial crisis that the growth rate has reached double digits.

The ruling party and the government have selected five major areas to concentrate fiscal capabilities.

They decided to foster future growth industries such as AI, the three mega-projects, and aerospace, support youth and regional areas, and expand investments in addressing polarization, public safety, and national security.

Specifically, plans include establishing a special semiconductor account to solidify the nation's status as a semiconductor powerhouse, providing R&D support for the 2030 lunar landing, and implementing the largest-ever increase in electric vehicle subsidies.

Additionally, university students will be able to receive academic credits for internships, tuition fees at regional national universities will be fully covered, and the child allowance program will be expanded and restructured.

[Park Hong-keun / Minister of Planning and Budget : At a time when structural low growth is becoming entrenched, we will drive a rebound in the potential growth rate and ensure that the fruits of growth spread across all generations and regions, including youth, small business owners, and vulnerable groups...]

The government plans to establish a separate "Future Response Fund," financed by "additional tax revenues" that exceed long-term tax revenue growth trends, to be utilized for necessary projects.

Regarding concerns that government debt is already high, President Lee Jae-myung stated that it is time to focus on future growth.

[President Lee Jae-myung : Now is not the time to fall into the error of being bogged down by immediate fiscal figures. We must use our expanded fiscal capacity as seeds to harvest more fruit in the future.]

The government plans to finalize the budget bill shortly and submit it to the National Assembly after a cabinet meeting early next month.

During the review process, concerns over fiscal soundness and the management methods of the Future Response Fund are expected to become subjects of controversy.

(Video reporting: Lee Jae-young, Video editing: Lee Seung-jin, Design: Seo Seung-hyun)