Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, promised on the 23rd to support measures for middle-aged individuals centered on 'a retirement where one can continue to work' and 'building a system where one can feel safe when sick.' The core idea is to transform it into a structure that enables an independent life rather than simple welfare.
The People Power Party presented 'We support living my real life' as the eleventh promise in the series 'Newly promising for the people of Korea every day' on that day, expressing its determination to directly tackle issues related to elder employment and health.
◇Revamping the 'continuing employment after retirement' system… Abolishing the 'old age pension reduction system'
The People Power Party emphasized the importance of creating a 'society where one can work even after retirement.' The key points are 'continuity of employment after retirement' and 'proactive job creation.'
Specifically, they plan to streamline the system to ensure that 'continuing employment after retirement' becomes a solid trend and establish the 'Basic Employment Policy for Middle-Aged and Older Adults' to mandate personalized reemployment services at the time of voluntary retirement. Additionally, they stated that they would establish a public employment service (PES) system for the re-employment of older individuals and ensure that even if they work or start their own business after the age of 65, they would be guaranteed employment insurance and unemployment benefits, thereby providing an employment safety net.
Furthermore, they included plans to discover hybrid jobs tailored to the AI (artificial intelligence) era and to help older adults cope with job functions associated with technological advancements through digital training. They stated they would expand education on 'life-close digital capabilities' such as kiosks, online banking, and smartphone utilization, and also introduce 'smart senior centers.' In particular, they plan to abolish the 'old age pension reduction system,' which decreases benefits when older adults work.
◇Strengthening national care from dementia to caregiving… Minimum monthly payment of 500,000 won for family caregivers
Another key promise focuses on disease and caregiving issues, which are the biggest concerns for the middle-aged.
First is the expansion of the 'National Responsibility System for Dementia.' They plan to extend the primary care physician system for dementia management and establish and expand specialized nursing hospitals and long-term care facilities to provide continuous and professional management. They also stated they would increase the number of 'dementia reassurance houses,' where families of dementia patients can live together with peace of mind.
Resolving caregiving issues is also a core promise. They stated they would phase in benefits for nursing home caregiving costs to alleviate the burden on patients and caregivers and expand integrated nursing and caregiving services. In particular, they pledged to pay a minimum of 500,000 won monthly when family members provide caregiving (1 million won for spouses aged 65 and older).
They plan to strengthen medical services in nursing facilities and expand home care systems for older individuals with mobility difficulties.
◇Expansion of housing and cultural facilities… Basic pension for vulnerable groups to 400,000 won per month
They also proposed policies for housing supply and welfare to ensure a satisfying retirement. They promised to provide customized housing such as silver towns, intergenerational housing complexes, and senior towns where medical and caregiving services are integrated. Other welfare promises included expanding park golf courses, increasing cultural facilities for residents, distributing smartwatches for healthcare to the general public, supporting the 'smart welfare check service' for single older adults aged 70 and over in rural areas, and legalizing 'rural-style Uber' using personal vehicles.
In addition, they promised to abolish the mandatory residence for housing pensions, gradually mandate retirement pensions, increase the monthly amount for those below 50% of the median income to 400,000 won progressively, expand meal services at senior centers to seven days a week gradually, and introduce a 'free bus ride system' for those 65 and older.
They also stated they would enact the 'Dignified End of Life Law' to provide administrative support and infrastructure to allow individuals to take the initiative in deciding on life-sustaining treatment, funeral arrangements, and inheritance wills while they are alive, and establish a national 'well-dying plan' every five years.