During the three days when applications and payments for the second people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons were made, 18.58 million people applied, according to the tally.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that as of 12 a.m. on the 25th, 18.583 million people had applied for the second consumption coupons, and a total of 1.8583 trillion won had been paid out. Of all those eligible for payment, 40.8% have received them. Based on those subject to the day-of-week application system from the 22nd to the 24th, 68.2% collected theirs.
By type, 72% of applicants received the second consumption coupons via credit or debit card. The share who received them through the regional love gift certificate mobile or card was 15.7%, prepaid card 9.9%, and paper regional love gift certificates 1.9%.
By region, South Jeolla (45.97%) had the highest application rate, followed by Incheon (43%), Sejong (42.56%), and Gwangju Metropolitan City (41.17%). Regions with lower application rates included Jeju (35.85%), Gangwon (38.63%), North Chungcheong (39.62%), and South Chungcheong (40.16%).
Meanwhile, the ministry said that starting today, the Beautiful Store foundation will also be included among places where the consumption coupons can be used. An official at the ministry said, "Beautiful Store is a social enterprise that sells donated items and uses the revenue to support vulnerable groups and local public-interest projects," adding, "This reflects both the public-interest value, such as strengthening community solidarity and supporting vulnerable groups, and consumer convenience."
The second people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons, which provide 100,000 won per person to 90% of the population, began accepting applications and payments on the 22nd. In the first week of applications, a day-of-week system is in place based on the last digit of the birth year. On Thursday the 25th, those whose birth year ends in 4 or 9 can apply; on Friday the 26th, those ending in 5 or 0 can apply; and after the weekend, everyone can apply.
Applications are open until 6 p.m. on Oct. 31. Both the first and second rounds of consumption coupons must be used by Nov. 30, and any unused balance will expire. For a list of stores where the consumption coupons can be used, refer to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety website.