▲ The second round of emergency disaster support fund is discussed hotly.

There are already various opinions within the party on the subject, especially regarding the size and timing of payment. Kim Boo-kyum, the party's candidate for the chairmanship, proposed the creation of a "national disaster fund" to raise funds. Jin Sung-joon, chairman of the party's strategic planning committee, proposed paying the second round of disaster aid to the bottom 50 percent of the income bracket. In a telephone interview with the media, he added, "If disaster aid is provided only to the bottom 50 percent of income, the financial authorities will also be less burdened, which will enable quick decisions and enforcement."

▲ Kim Boo-kyum argues the creation of a ˝national disaster fund˝

Some also say that the second round of emergency disaster support funds should be made before the Chuseok holiday, which begins on 30th, September. "Not to miss the timing in the worst situation, we should consider paying it before Chuseok," a policy committee official said. "And to do so, we need to decide in early September." The policy committee is currently reviewing the need to pay the second round of disaster aid. They say that the government should take a comprehensive look at the effects of the first disaster aid given to the entire nation. "There is a need for the second disaster support fund, but we are worried about what to do when a more difficult crisis comes.", a policy committee said. However, the official also added that if the second round of disaster support is decided, it will be possible to execute it quite quickly.

▲ The National Assembly`s Special Committee on Budget and Accounts begins reviewing last year`s financial condition.

Even if the Democratic Party of Korea agrees to pay the bill, there is a possibility that the financial authorities holding the key to the place will show reluctance. Thus, a deep consideration of the current financial situation is needed before the decision. Earlier, the government set up and executed a second supplementary budget worth 12.2 trillion won to pay the first disaster aid to the entire nation. The National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts will begin reviewing last year's fiscal year from August 24th.

Shin Seung-won

August 23th, 2020