President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized the 'color differentiation' of prepaid cards for consumer recovery coupons from some local governments on the 23rd, according to the Presidential Office. Earlier, controversy arose when Gwangju and Busan municipalities distributed prepaid cards for consumer coupons in different colors or specified amounts, prompting President Lee to directly instruct corrective measures.
Grand Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong noted in a briefing that "President Lee Jae-myung criticized in a strong tone that some local governments had exposed users' income levels and vulnerability by differentiating the colors of prepaid cards based on amounts," adding that he instructed a comprehensive investigation by the Ministry of Interior and Safety.
In fact, the prepaid cards for consumer recovery coupons in the Gwangju area are divided into three types based on the amount. ▲ Those in the top 10% receive 180,000 won and are given pink cards. ▲ The lower middle class and single-parent families receiving 330,000 won are issued green cards. ▲ Recipients of basic living security receiving 430,000 won are given navy blue cards. The card colors alone can reveal users' economic conditions or personal information. In Busan, specific amounts were indicated on the cards.
In response, President Lee directed, "This is a typical administrative convenience thinking that is centered on suppliers and a measure that lacks sensitivity to human rights," and ordered to "immediately correct it." In response, the Ministry of Interior and Safety conducted a comprehensive survey of local government prepaid cards that morning and placed stickers over the card colors on the prepaid cards produced by Busan and Gwangju.
Spokesperson Kang said, "We will continue to quickly address issues or inconveniences that arise during the issuance, payment, and usage processes of consumer coupons."