One year of AI and growth at the center of state affairs... 'Welfare was not visible'

One year into the current administration, experts are voicing concerns that welfare policies have been sidelined, overshadowed by a national focus on artificial intelligence and economic growth. Critics argue that while the government champions "basic society and welfare for all," the reality on the ground shows a neglect of crucial social safety nets. This comes at a time of increasing income and regional disparities, as well as growing job insecurity and disillusionment among young people, making a stronger social safety net more vital than ever.

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Welfare was not visible.

The assessment, presented at a forum evaluating the administration's first year in health and welfare policy, highlighted that the initial welfare budget increase of 9.7% compared to the previous year was largely due to natural growth in policy targets, rather than a strong commitment to public services or welfare expansion. Experts pointed out that despite AI receiving over 10 trillion won in its budget, the "Community Care" initiative, a key national project, was allocated only 91.4 billion won. This disparity has led to disappointment among beneficiaries and frontline workers, with insufficient infrastructure and funding hindering the policy's effectiveness.

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The welfare agenda has been pushed to the periphery.

Furthermore, promises to improve the working conditions of care workers have reportedly yielded little progress. The "Community Care" initiative, designed to allow the elderly and disabled to receive care services in their homes or communities rather than in institutions, has faced significant challenges. These include a shortage of implementing agencies, dedicated public officials, and adequate budgets, leading to a widening gap in care infrastructure across different regions and a lack of public awareness about the service.

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We are flying with only one wing of growth.

Experts also addressed the persistent issue of "deaths of despair," where individuals succumb to life's pressures, noting that despite economic booms, such tragedies continue. While the government has increased the "basic living security" benefit and is reforming the basic pension system to favor lower-income seniors, concerns remain that income support levels are still inadequate. There are calls for a higher median income standard and the realization of promises to expand healthcare benefits. The medical community also expressed worries about the government's approach to strengthening essential medical services, primarily through increased private hospital compensation, arguing that this may not effectively address regional healthcare gaps. They advocate for the state to take a more direct role in producing and supplying public healthcare services.

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The first health and welfare budget of the new government increased by 9.7% compared to the previous year, but a significant portion was natural growth due to changes in policy target scope, and the will to strengthen public services and actively expand welfare was weak.