President Lee Jae-myung pointed out that running the "first-in-a-lifetime pension premium support program," which takes effect next year, on an "application-based" system could result in an unequal measure.

President Lee received a briefing on the details of the program from Minister of Health and Welfare Jung Eun-kyeong during the 45th Cabinet meeting he presided over at the Blue House today (October 20).

Pointing out that the program targets only "those who apply," he noted, "It means that if you do not apply, you are not supported, but this actually causes substantive inequality."

The "first-in-a-lifetime pension premium support program" is a system under which the National Pension Service pays the first month of national pension contributions for young adults aged 18 to 26 who have no prior payment history, upon enrolling and submitting an application.

Through this, enrolling in the National Pension at age 18 makes it possible to later make retroactive payments for periods when contributions could not be paid due to studies, military service, and other reasons. As a result, the extended pension subscription period naturally increases future payout amounts.

President Lee pointed out that the program targets only "those who apply," noting, "It means that if you do not apply, you are not supported, but this actually causes substantive inequality."

He added, "(If we maintain an application-based system,) isn't it true that only those who are quick-witted, diligent, and have the time (will receive the benefits)?"

President Lee remarked, "Even so, running the program on the premise that some will give up or fail to apply because supporting everyone (regardless of application) would impose too great a fiscal burden—isn't that the state deceiving the public? Is this a moral nation?"

He then added, "If the fiscal burden is too heavy, another option could be setting the minimum retroactive age to an age that is manageable."

In the process of discussing with Minister Jung why uniform support could not be provided based on the age of 18, President Lee also pressed her, saying, "It is beneficial for the public, but isn't it ultimately because of fiscal issues? Why speak in such complicated terms? Please speak candidly."

Meanwhile, regarding recent controversies over foreign residents in South Korea receiving national and basic pensions through expedient methods, President Lee said, "The law has been revised so that (such actions) will not be allowed going forward, but measures are also necessary regarding those who (received benefits through expedient methods) prior to that."

President Lee said, "Some may think that because they made retroactive payments before the system changed, all (the benefits) should be provided, but wouldn't that result in inequality? Shouldn't adjustments also be made for those who are already benefiting by exploiting expedient methods?"

He emphasized, "The world has changed significantly. Leaving unjust and unfair situations unchecked cannot be tolerated. In the past, people might have overlooked it saying, 'What is the big deal,' but now its very existence is a problem."

(Photo: Yonhap News)