韩媒：韩政府启动“惠民消费券”申请，地方政府忧虑财政压力

Group 1 - The South Korean government has launched the "Welfare Consumption Voucher" program as a major economic stimulus initiative aimed at boosting grassroots consumption and revitalizing local economies [1][2] - The vouchers are available to all South Korean citizens, with amounts varying based on individual economic status and residence, ranging from 150,000 KRW to 450,000 KRW [1][2] - The application period for the vouchers will last until September 12, with distribution methods including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and local love coupons [1] Group 2 - The usage of the vouchers is strictly limited to small merchants with annual sales not exceeding 3 billion KRW, excluding large supermarkets, department stores, and e-commerce platforms [2] - Public sentiment towards the voucher program is generally positive, with many citizens expressing intentions to support local businesses [2] - Major financial institutions and retail chains have quickly responded to the program, launching promotional activities to encourage voucher usage, including a lottery with a total prize of 2.5 billion KRW [2] Group 3 - Large chain supermarkets are experiencing a downturn as they are excluded from the voucher program, with a retail outlook index score of 89, indicating pessimism in the sector [3] - Concerns have been raised regarding the financial burden of the voucher program on local governments, with significant tax revenue declines reported [3] - A second phase of the voucher program is planned to start on September 22, targeting the lowest 90% income earners with an additional subsidy of 100,000 KRW per person [3]