President Lee: "Sleeping Rough for 1.2 Million Won a Month? ... False Information Distorts Policy"

On fake news claiming "1.2 million won a month for sleeping rough at Seoul Station,"
Lee: "Claims not based on facts obscure the purpose of welfare"

After claims spread that people can receive 1.2 million won a month by sleeping rough at Seoul Station, President Lee Jaemyung criticized them on Nov. 10, saying, "False information can go beyond simple misunderstandings and distort even people's judgment of policies."

In a post that day on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee said, "Distorted information can also undermine policies intended for people who desperately need help." He emphasized, "Claims not based on facts must not obscure the purpose of the welfare system or obstruct necessary discussions."

President Lee Jaemyung reviews documents at a Cabinet meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae on Nov. 10, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

President Lee also shared an article that fact-checked the claim that "people can receive a combined 1.2 million won a month in livelihood and housing benefits by sleeping rough at Seoul Station." The article said recipients must meet eligibility requirements for both benefits, so sleeping rough alone does not qualify them.

President Lee said, "It may be a trivial topic of conversation to some, but for people who desperately need a helping hand from the welfare system, words like these can be hurtful." He added, "Unfounded information must not fuel prejudice against welfare or become an obstacle to people who truly need help receiving support in a timely manner."

President Lee also said, "Of course, I will listen carefully to concerns about whether welfare benefits are excessive or discourage people from working." He added, "I will carefully review and improve the system as a whole to reduce gaps in welfare coverage and ensure that people can build better lives the more they work."

He added, "Welfare must reach the people who need it. It should be a firm stepping stone that helps them overcome hardships and get back on their feet."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.