Local election campaigns push cash-based pledges

South Korea is seeing a surge in cash-based campaign pledges ahead of the June 3 local elections, as candidates seek to attract voters with promises of direct financial benefits, despite growing concerns over the sustainability of the plans.

The trend has emerged across party lines, with candidates from both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the main opposition People Power Party proposing a variety of direct payment programs aimed at easing living costs and stimulating local economies.

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