“Support Fund for Livelihood Recovery: Why Insist on Coupons When There Are Check Cards?” Criticized by a People Power Party Member and Faces Backlash (Video)

Jo Bae-suk, Member of the National Assembly, Faces Controversy Over Misunderstanding of Consumer Coupon Distribution Method for Economic Recovery

Jo Bae-suk, a member of the People Power Party, has become the center of controversy due to a lack of understanding regarding the government's method for distributing consumer coupons aimed at restoring livelihoods.

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During the comprehensive policy inquiry at the National Assembly's Budget and Settlement Special Committee on the 30th of last month, Jo asked Kim Min-jae, the Deputy Minister of the Interior and Safety, "You are distributing consumer recovery coupons, but why do you keep insisting only on coupons? There are check cards and various other options; why do you insist solely on coupons?"

However, the consumer recovery coupon can actually be received in various forms, including local love gift certificates, prepaid cards, and credit or debit card points.

This is similar to the 'Emergency Disaster Relief Funds' distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rising Criticism Over Lack of Policy Understanding

Despite Deputy Minister Kim explaining that "prepaid cards, debit cards, and credit cards are all possible methods of use," Jo reiterated his concern, stating, "It seems you are insisting only on gift certificates." This further fueled the controversy. In response, Kim stated, "We will do better in our promotion."

This incident has drawn more criticism because a member of the National Assembly’s Budget and Settlement Committee failed to grasp the basic details of the policy under review.

Particularly, in a situation where the People Power Party has attacked the consumer recovery coupon as "cash distribution populism," it has raised concerns that a party member misunderstood the fundamental aspects of the policy.

YouTube 'NATV National Assembly Broadcasting'

Online, there has been an outpouring of criticism regarding Jo’s remarks, with comments questioning, "Isn’t it essential to understand the basic content before criticizing the policy?"

This incident has been compared to the controversy surrounding former Liberty Korea Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) member Lee Eun-jae, who caused an uproar in 2016 by asking, "Why did you buy MS Office from Microsoft?"

At that time, Lee was criticized for not knowing that MS Office was the product name of Microsoft, leading to a plethora of parodies.

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Image Source: Jo Bae-suk of the People Power Party / youtube 'natv National Assembly Broadcasting', youtube 'natv National Assembly Broadcasting', supporting images for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank