Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and officials from the government met Tuesday morning to discuss measures to support people in the low-income bracket,... as a follow-up measure to the planned minimum wage increase for next year.
During a policy coordination meeting,... the two sides agreed to increase the basic pension for elderly people in the lowest 20 percent bracket... to roughly 260 U.S. dollars by next year -- two years earlier than originally planned.
They also plan to increase the number of people eligible for employment subsidies.

"Labor groups as well as the opposition bloc agree to Earned Income Tax Credits. This measure needs to be effectively implemented so that people can make up for their small income through tax returns."

"We will work to expand the social safety net of those in the low-income bracket,... as well as carry out reforms so that innovation can be seen across the economy. At the same time, we'll step up fiscal measures and pre-emptive action against internal and external risks."

The ruling party vowed to take all efforts to pass related bills,... while the government promised to draw up policies that bring about changes that people can feel.
The government will announce a comprehensive set of measures on Wednesday.