The South Korean government is criticized for its inadequate support for regional subscribers to the national pension scheme, particularly affecting freelancers and low-income earners.
In South Korea, nearly 10 million individuals are identified as being in a blind spot concerning the national pension system, especially among freelancers, delivery workers, and self-employed individuals. Many of these regional subscribers face significant financial burdens due to rising pension premiums while receiving minimal government aid. The government introduced a support program for urban regional subscribers, yet the criteria, which restrict eligibility to those earning less than 800,000 won per month, fails to account for the realities of modern livelihoods.
One affected individual, a storyboard artist, expressed concerns about her unstable income, which while varying, rarely exceeds 1.5 million won a month. With her child requiring expensive rehabilitation therapy, she finds it hard to cope with the monthly pension premium of 70,000 won. With the recent increase in the pension premium rate, the financial pressure on those in her situation grows, and the limited government support raises doubts about the sustainability of their future pensions. This situation highlights a broader systemic issue within the national pension framework, where almost 33.6% of subscribers struggle to pay into the system.
The Health and Welfare Ministry has sought to address this issue by expanding the support for urban regional subscribers. However, the new support framework's narrow eligibility and short duration—limited to only one year of aid—have left many feeling disillusioned. The government's approach appears disconnected from the actual needs and income realities of many low-income workers, prompting calls for a reevaluation of support measures that genuinely consider the financial situations of those with irregular or low incomes.
