GWANGJU — Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Metropolitan City Mayor Min Hyung-bae officially proposed a plan to all local municipal governments to fully implement a rural basic income for areas facing population decline, starting next year.

Under the proposal, the unified city intends to expand rural basic income benefits even to regions excluded from current government pilot projects. The financial burden will be split equally—50% funded by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan City government and 50% by the respective local county.

Speaking at a press conference marking his 100th day in office, held at the Gwangju Government Complex business room on the 8th, Mayor Min stated, "We must strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen. I propose the full implementation of a rural basic income targeting depopulation-risk areas across Jeonnam-Gwangju starting next year."

Targeting 16 Depopulation-Risk Areas
Out of the 22 cities and counties within Jeonnam-Gwangju, 16 are currently designated as depopulation-risk areas.

Presently, the government-led rural basic income pilot project is underway in four counties: Gokseong, Sinan, Gurye, and Boseong. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the pilot program aims to stabilize incomes and stimulate local economies by providing basic income to residents in farming and fishing communities facing population extinction crises.

Mayor Min’s vision is to broaden this support framework to include regions left out of the national pilot program.

"While four counties are currently targeted by the government pilot project, I will officially propose to the remaining regions that Jeonnam-Gwangju implement a full-scale rural basic income to the maximum extent the city can manage," Min said.

A 50-50 Financial Split... Exploring 20 Trillion Won Integration Incentives
The funding model suggests that Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan City and the respective county will each shoulder 50% of the cost.

"Jeonnam-Gwangju will clear the path first," Mayor Min noted, adding that financial burdens and implementation methods will be thoroughly discussed with each county.

Notably, Min expressed willingness to utilize a portion of the 20 trillion-won integration incentive package—secured through the recent administrative merger—as a funding source for the basic income if required.

"I expect the respective counties to review this proactively," said Min. "If necessary, we can tap into a portion of the 20 trillion-won integration incentives."

However, actual full-scale implementation will require further negotiations regarding target recipients, payout sizes, distribution methods, and specific financial sharing ratios between the city and individual counties.

Council Chair Song Hyung-gon Echoes Need for Basic Income
Discussions regarding the introduction of a rural basic income have also gained traction within the Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

On the preceding day, Council Chairperson Song Hyung-gon highlighted a sense of alienation felt in rural areas during his own 100th-day press conference held at the Jeonnam Government Complex, proposing a "Jeonnam-style" rural basic income.

"Contrasting Gwangju's high expectations for future industry investments like semiconductors with the stark reality of Jeonnam's rural communities, there are high hopes for administrative integration in depopulation-threatened regions," Song stated. "We need tangible policies that rural residents can genuinely experience following the integration."

Mayor Min similarly emphasized the need for a city-level response, noting that a broad consensus is forming among local lawmakers and the metropolitan council regarding the necessity of a rural basic income.

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