Budget minister nominee calls for long-term approach to basic income scheme | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun said Friday the introduction of a universal basic income scheme should be prepared over the long term, while pledging fiscal support for vulnerable youths. "Although it is difficult to immediately implement full-scale basic income, we need to take a long-term approach, including reviewing the results of pilot programs for rural basic income," Park said in written responses submitted for his National Assembly confirmation hearing. The four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party was tapped earlier this month by President Lee Jae Myung as the nominee to head the newly launched Ministry of Planning and Budget. Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun speaks during a policy meeting on March 17, 2026, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Planning and Budget. (Yonhap) khj@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #budget minister nominee #basic income Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees (2nd LD) N. Korea to export 16 homegrown KF-21 fighter jets to Indonesia: sources Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.K. stamps on ruling party's 9th congress Samsung chairman meets AMD CEO Preparations for BTS' Gwanghwamun concert Preparations for BTS' Gwanghwamun concert prev Budget minister nominee calls for long-term approach to basic income scheme Next Budget minister nominee calls for long-term approach to basic income scheme

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SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun said Friday the introduction of a universal basic income scheme should be prepared over the long term, while pledging fiscal support for vulnerable youths.
"Although it is difficult to immediately implement full-scale basic income, we need to take a long-term approach, including reviewing the results of pilot programs for rural basic income," Park said in written responses submitted for his National Assembly confirmation hearing.
While noting the growing need for basic income amid deepening inequality, the nominee said the policy should be reviewed comprehensively, taking into account mid- to long-term fiscal conditions and public opinion.
Park also emphasized support for youth-focused programs, saying the government plans to launch a youth savings program in June.
The four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party was tapped earlier this month by President Lee Jae Myung as the nominee to head the newly launched Ministry of Planning and Budget.
His nomination came more than a month after Lee withdrew his earlier pick, opposition politician Lee Hye-hoon, following a series of controversies over alleged misconduct, including suspicious real estate dealings involving her family.
Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun speaks during a policy meeting on March 17, 2026, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Planning and Budget. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Budget minister nominee calls for long-term approach to basic income scheme

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Korea committed to expanding nuclear, missile programs; poses 'significant' threats to S.

### Areas for Consideration
- OK SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun said Friday the introduction of a universal basic income scheme should be prepared over the long term, while pledging fiscal support for vulnerable youths. "Although it is difficult to immediately implement full-scale basic income, we need to take a long-term approach, including reviewing the results of pilot programs for rural basic income," Park said in written responses submitted for his National Assembly confirmation hearing.
- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun speaks during a policy meeting on March 17, 2026, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Planning and Budget. (Yonhap) khj@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #budget minister nominee #basic income Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- OK SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun said Friday the introduction of a universal basic income scheme should be prepared over the long term, while pledging fiscal support for vulnerable youths. "Although it is difficult to immediately implement full-scale basic income, we need to take a long-term approach, including reviewing the results of pilot programs for rural basic income," Park said in written responses submitted for his National Assembly confirmation hearing.
- While noting the growing need for basic income amid deepening inequality, the nominee said the policy should be reviewed comprehensively, taking into account mid- to long-term fiscal conditions and public opinion.
- Budget Minister nominee Park Hong-keun speaks during a policy meeting on March 17, 2026, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Planning and Budget. (Yonhap) khj@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #budget minister nominee #basic income Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees (2nd LD) N.
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### Expert Commentary
This article covers budget, nominee, basic topics. Notable strengths include discussion of budget. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 512.