SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Monday his government will step up efforts to help the working class and other low-income people enjoy more cultural activities such as movies, exhibitions and performances in line with his "fair society" campaign.
"The culture policy of our government is focused on narrowing gaps in opportunities to enjoy culture," the president said in his biweekly radio address. "South Korea should become a culture country in the era when its per capita income reaches US$20,000."
File photoLee stressed South Korea needs to become a "culture powerhouse" to match its growing economic clout as it hopes to join the club of advanced nations.
Lee vowed to expand the "culture voucher" system for the poor.
Under the system that was introduced this year, the government provides a 50,000 won ($42) culture voucher to each of the 250,000 people who are categorized as extremely poor by the country's social welfare law. Beneficiaries can go to movies, concerts, or other cultural exhibitions and performances with the voucher. The government has earmarked a budget of 6.7 billion won for the program this year.
"(The government) will rapidly increase the related budget starting next year to expand cultural benefits for the low-income bracket," Lee said.
He also expressed hope that corporations would expand their financial support for the culture sector.
Since the ruling Grand National Party's defeat in the June local elections, Lee has shifted to a more friendly policy for the underprivileged.
In his Liberation Day speech earlier this month, he pledged efforts to create a fair society in which equal opportunities are guaranteed based on the social responsibility of all individuals and organizations.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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