Former People Power Party representative Han Dong-hoon called for the exercise of veto power regarding the national pension law amendment that passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 20th, stating it is "an amendment that ignores the younger generation."
On the 22nd, former representative Han asserted through his Facebook, "While amendments to pension regulations are necessary due to demographic changes, the resulting pain should not be shifted solely onto the younger generation."
Former representative Han pointed out that although the current amendment structure gradually increases the insurance premium rate from 9% to 13% over 8 years, the burden on the younger generation is relatively greater. He explained, "On the surface, it may seem like the burden is shared among all generations, but the younger individuals, who must pay premiums for an extended period, face a heavier burden," adding that "the uncertainty and anxiety regarding future changes also weigh more heavily on the younger generation."
He also raised issues about the immediate increase of the income replacement rate to 43% starting next year, while the premium hikes are being implemented gradually. Former representative Han said, "Ultimately, this is advantageous for the older generation, who have a shorter period to pay, while it becomes a larger burden for the younger ones."
Chairperson Han stated, "The government initially considered a plan to adjust premium rates differently for the younger and older generations in order to ensure intergenerational equity, but this was not reflected in the current amendment," adding, "The Democratic Party, which pushed this amendment forward, prioritized the position of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions over the voices of youth, imposing a heavy burden on future generations."
He emphasized, "If the current amendment is implemented, it will undermine social consensus on the sustainability of the national pension and exacerbate intergenerational conflict," noting that "the younger generation, which has a weak political voice, should be given more consideration." He further added, "We must exercise veto power over this national pension law amendment that ignores the younger generation and revisit the discussion."