Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes National Dividend Proposal as Gangster Mentality

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the national dividend proposal mentioned by Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, stating, "The idea of taking money as if it were theirs while constantly obstructing is a typical gangster mentality."

During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang remarked, "Kim's national dividend is the true intention of Lee Jae-myung," adding, "Whether it’s excess profits or excess tax revenue, it’s not money earned by Lee Jae-myung."

He continued, "The reality of a strike at Samsung Electronics, which could lead to losses in the tens of trillions of won, is approaching. Yet, Lee Jae-myung is only interested in collecting money," asserting that "Lee and the Democratic Party have no right to take advantage of this situation. While Samsung and SK Hynix are thriving now, just three to four years ago, they recorded massive losses due to a global semiconductor downturn."

Jang further stated, "When our party pushed for the K-Chips Law to save the semiconductor industry, the Democratic Party vehemently opposed it, claiming it was a favor to conglomerates. If our party hadn't worked tirelessly to pass the K-Chips Law, we wouldn't be able to ride the current semiconductor supercycle."

He also pointed out, "It’s not just semiconductors. The Democratic Party has always opposed future investments like nuclear power. If the Moon Jae-in administration's nuclear phase-out had succeeded, would we be experiencing the current semiconductor boom? They are still opposing the 52-hour workweek exception for semiconductor R&D."

Jang criticized, "The money Lee Jae-myung is distributing to gain support and buy votes will ultimately become debt that future generations will have to repay," noting that "Lee's rapid increase in debt has pushed national liabilities over 1,300 trillion won. It’s not an exaggeration to call it a debt supercycle."

He concluded, "If excess tax revenue arises, we must pay off debt first. We should not deceive the public with the absurd argument that fiscal austerity is populism. Instead of wasting time on the national dividend, I hope they focus on preventing the Samsung Electronics strike."