2021.01.09 1265 Huh Kyung-young’s Public Love, Public Marriage, Public Childbirth Systems, and “Stock Company Republic of Korea”

2021.01.09 1265 Huh Kyung-young’s Public Love, Public Marriage, Public Childbirth Systems, and “Stock Company Republic of Korea”

Huh Kyung young’s Public Love, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems and “Republic of Korea Inc.”

what you must absolutely keep in mind is that wealth, material possessions, sin, blessings, and virtue all operate under a system of shared responsibility. If a murderer appears or someone robs a bank, that sin must be shared equally among all of you. It is a shared system. Even sin is shared—at least in the eyes of Heaven. That is why, when humanity is on the verge of destruction, it is spared if even a single righteous person exists; it is because of this shared system. If there is one righteous person, you, too, are considered righteous. But if there is not a single righteous person, the Earth meets its end. It disintegrates. This is no lie.

You see, I have come down from Heaven, haven’t I? In this context, material resources are a matter of public ownership. When you get down to it, these material things are your collective property; they do not belong to any specific individual. That is the very reason the tax system exists. And what about sin? You each hold a certain share of the sins committed by others. I—the Divine Being—am exempt from this, but it applies to all of you. You cannot simply point fingers and condemn someone else; consider a judge who sentences a defendant to death—is the judge truly free of guilt? No, the judge is considered an accomplice. It is a system of shared ownership; the weight of that sin is held collectively—everyone has a share in it. No one can exist in isolation, completely free from that sin. You see? However, if just one righteous person is present among you, then everyone becomes righteous, because the share is held in common. Do you follow me? That is why, if I come to this earth and establish just one righteous person here, the world can keep turning.

What is the core of Hur Kyung-young’s ‘public love, marriage, and childbirth systems’? He proposes that the state should actively intervene in personal life stages like dating, marriage, and childbirth to address societal issues like low birth rates.

1. Introduction to Hur Kyung-young’s Public Systems
   He, Hur Kyung-young, introduces his “public love, marriage, and childbirth systems” as a solution to societal issues like poverty and declining birth rates.

1.1. Addressing Societal Problems Through Public Policy

1. He acknowledges the increasing hardship faced by the poor due to wealth inequality.
2. his National Revolutionary Party has consistently proposed a “3-3 policy” for 30 years to help all economic classes escape poverty.
3. He believes that everyone has a right to happiness, and it is wrong for only a few to enjoy wealth and happiness.
4. only his party can create a “paradise on Earth” where people do not worry about money.
5. He then begins his 1265th Saturday lecture, focusing on his public systems.

1.2. Overview of the Public Love, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems

1. Hur Kyung-young’s core proposal involves public systems for dating, marriage, and childbirth.

2. these systems mean the state will actively intervene in these personal life stages.

3. The Urgency of Public Intervention: Declining Birth Rates and Ineffective Policies
   government intervention in personal life stages like dating and marriage is crucial because current policies have failed to address the severe decline in birth rates, leading to national crisis.

2.1. The Crisis of Declining Birth Rates

1. He highlights the critical need for public dating policies, as many people are not marrying even in their 40s and 50s.
2. He warns that if the government leaves marriage to individual families, the nation will fail.
3. The birth rate in Korea has drastically fallen from 400,000 to 270,000 in just two and a half years under the current administration, while the elderly population continues to grow.

2.2. Mismanagement of Childbirth Budgets

1. Despite the falling birth rate, the budget allocated for childbirth has continuously increased.
2. He questions how this budget, amounting to hundreds of trillions over 10 years or 20 trillion annually, is being spent, as it is not directly given to expectant mothers.
3. He suggests that giving a lump sum of 100 million won per child would be more effective, appealing to people’s desire for a substantial amount of money.

2.3. Criticism of Current Government and Societal Trends

1. He expresses frustration with the government’s handling of the situation, clarifying that his criticism is directed at societal phenomena, not past presidents.
2. Korea’s birth rate is the lowest in the world at 0.7%, indicating that people are barely having children.
3. This low birth rate is even more severe when considering the large number of unmarried or divorced individuals in their 40s and 50s, which further lowers the overall birth rate.
4. this situation is a national catastrophe.

2.4. Historical Advocacy for Public Systems

1. 30 years ago, he proposed giving 50 million won for childbirth and 100 million won for marriage, along with public systems for dating, marriage, and childbirth.
2. At the time, he was criticized for these ideas, which were dismissed as “populism.”
3. the state must intervene because individuals cannot solve these problems alone.
4. The government has a responsibility to create conditions for marriage, such as good jobs, because people will not marry if they foresee hardship.
5. the government should take responsibility for issues individuals cannot resolve, like education and marriage.

2.5. The Consequences of Inaction

1. the current low birth rate, especially when considering unmarried individuals, is a national disaster.

2. He laments that no politicians or public officials take this issue seriously, while he has been advocating for solutions for 30 years.

3. He warns that ignoring his proposals will lead to regret when it’s too late.

4. The “Public Love System” Proposal
   He details his “Public Love System,” which aims to encourage dating and marriage by providing financial support and organized social opportunities, emphasizing that the state should actively participate in these personal aspects of citizens’ lives.

3.1. The Need for a Public Love System

1. He explains that the severe decline in birth rates necessitates a Public Love System to encourage dating.
2. Under this system, single individuals aged 20 (or 18) and older would receive 200,000 won per month for dating expenses until they marry.

3.2. Implementation and Activities of the Public Love System

1. The monthly dating allowance would be distributed at local district offices, not through bank transfers.

2. To receive the money, individuals must attend a monthly event at the district office, which includes watching a video and participating in a social gathering.

3. These events would provide free food and light alcoholic beverages (like beer), as well as a venue for singles to meet.

4. Activities like games and raffles would be organized to help men and women interact.

5. The events would cater to all unmarried individuals, regardless of age, allowing them to choose partners.

6. To facilitate matching, attendees would be grouped by profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers) or by employment status (employed vs. unemployed).

7. Participants could wear name tags indicating their profession if they wished, creating a “marriage market” where people can openly seek partners.

8. He likens this system to a cattle market where buyers inspect animals, suggesting it’s a practical way for people to find partners.

9. This system is called a “public system” because the state and individuals collaborate in facilitating marriage.

10. He also mentions Public Childbirth System and Public Marriage System as part of this initiative.

11. Interconnectedness of Public Systems and National Dividend Policy
    He explains that his public systems for dating, marriage, and childbirth are interconnected with a broader “National Dividend System,” which aims to ensure all citizens receive a share of the nation’s wealth, thereby creating a middle-class society and addressing economic inequality.

4.1. The “Three Cushion” System: Dating, Childbirth, and Marriage

1. He refers to his proposals as a “three-cushion system” for dating, childbirth, and marriage, indicating their interconnectedness.
2. He outlines the financial incentives: 200,000 won monthly for dating, 50 million won for childbirth, and 300 million won for marriage (including 100 million won for marriage funds).
3. These benefits are part of a larger system designed to encourage these life stages.

4.2. The National Dividend System as a Foundation

1. The National Dividend System is crucial to funding these public systems.
2. Under this system, every citizen aged 18 and above would receive a monthly living allowance of 1.5 million won.
3. For married couples, this would mean 3 million won per month (1.5 million x 2).
4. his policies are not isolated but are part of a comprehensive, interconnected “330 policy” system.
5. This National Dividend System provides the financial “energy” for the public dating, childbirth, and marriage systems.
6. even the dividend itself is a “public system,” where the state assists individuals in their daily lives.

4.3. Korea as a “Stock Company” and Citizen Rights

1. He redefines South Korea as a “stock company (Jusik Hoesa Daehanminguk),” with the president as the CEO and citizens as shareholders.

2. He rejects traditional ideologies like “democracy” as outdated.

3. If he becomes president, he plans to abolish the current constitution and replace it with one that guarantees every citizen, from age 18 to 65, a monthly living allowance of 1.5 million won, ensuring a middle-class standard of living.

4. This constitutional change would prevent laws that create wealth disparity.

5. Critique of Current Policies and the Concept of “Co-existence and Co-prosperity”
   He criticizes existing government policies for fostering inequality and failing to support citizens, advocating instead for a principle of “co-existence and co-prosperity” where the nation’s wealth and responsibilities are shared among all citizens.

5.1. Failure of Current Policies to Address Inequality

1. current laws are designed by the intelligent to benefit themselves, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
2. He expresses disgust at a system where the poor suffer while the wealthy prosper.
3. He attributes these societal problems to the “foolishness” of the citizens in choosing their leaders.
4. the low marriage and birth rates are a national crisis, making Korea the country predicted to disappear first globally.
5. He criticizes the government for neglecting these issues, leaving them to individuals who lack the means to solve them.
6. He points out that fear of financial ruin (e.g., asset seizure for debt) prevents people from marrying.

5.2. National Dividend vs. Basic Income

1. He contrasts his National Dividend System with the concept of basic income.
2. basic income treats citizens as “beggars” and is a private matter, not a public responsibility.
3. In contrast, the National Dividend is a public right for citizens as shareholders of “Korea Inc.”
4. He criticizes basic income for potentially excluding those with assets like cars or insurance, leading to a system that traps people in poverty.
5. He views such policies as a “trick” to deceive the public.

5.3. Critique of the Legal and Political System

1. He expresses strong disapproval of the political system, calling it “nauseating.”
2. politicians, despite knowing the negative consequences, create laws that favor the rich and disadvantage the poor, which he calls “willful negligence” or “deception of the people.”
3. his proposals for marriage, childbirth, and national dividends were made 30 years ago but were dismissed.

5.4. The Seven Rights of Citizens and the Flaw of Property Tax

1. As shareholders of “Korea Inc.,” citizens have rights, including the seven fundamental rights: right to existence, property, equality, participation, social welfare, claim, and freedom.
2. property taxes (like property tax and automobile tax) violate the right to property, as taxes should only be levied on commercial transactions, not on ownership itself.
3. He connects this to the three principles of capitalism (absolute right to property, freedom of contract, and responsibility for negligence) and the three principles of democracy (human dignity, pursuit of happiness, and absolute fairness).
4. He concludes that current policies, including property taxes, undermine these fundamental rights and principles, leading to a society where the poor become poorer and the rich richer.

5.5. Historical Analogy: King Jeongjong and King Taejong

1. He uses the historical example of King Jeongjong and King Taejong from the Joseon Dynasty to illustrate the concept of “co-existence and co-prosperity.”
2. King Jeongjong voluntarily stepped down from the throne (양위, yangwi) in favor of his younger brother, Taejong, to avoid conflict.
3. This act of “yielding the throne” allowed them to coexist peacefully, with Jeongjong becoming a “retired king” (상왕, sangwang) and Taejong becoming the ruling king.
4. He suggests that society should adopt a similar approach of “co-existence and co-prosperity” (공존공영, gongjon gongyeong) in its policies.

5.6. The Principle of Co-existence and Co-prosperity (Gongyeongje)

1. He advocates for Gongyeongje (public system) as a principle of “co-existence and co-prosperity,” where everyone shares in the benefits and responsibilities.

2. wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues are all shared collectively, not individually.

3. This means that if someone commits a crime, everyone shares a tiny fraction of that responsibility, and if someone achieves something great, everyone shares in that success.

4. Addressing Current Societal Challenges and Future Vision
   He connects his “co-existence and co-prosperity” philosophy to contemporary issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, criticizing the government’s unequal response and reiterating his vision for a middle-class society through his public systems and national dividends.

6.1. Impact of COVID-19 and Unequal Government Response

1. He highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects small business owners and self-employed individuals in the service sector (e.g., sports, culture, entertainment).
2. Large corporations and those in the stock market are thriving, while ordinary citizens in the service industry are suffering immense losses.
3. He criticizes the government’s pandemic response for its lack of fairness, citing examples like inconsistent restrictions on restaurants and cultural venues.
4. strict measures, like limiting gatherings to five people, lead to suicides among entertainers and the collapse of service businesses.

6.2. Call for Fairer Pandemic Measures and Economic Support

1. He urges the government to implement fair quarantine measures that allow businesses to operate while ensuring safety, such as permitting gyms and salons to serve members with masks.
2. He praises Korea’s “K-Quarantine” but insists on ensuring fairness in its application.
3. He criticizes the government for offering insufficient compensation (e.g., 2 million won for 50 million won in damages), which exacerbates wealth inequality.

6.3. The Interconnectedness of Public Systems for a Prosperous Future

1. his public systems (National Dividend, Public Dating, Public Marriage, Public Childbirth) are interconnected and essential for a prosperous society.
2. these systems encourage marriage and childbirth by providing financial security.

6.4. Korea’s National Wealth and Citizen Dividends

1. Korea’s national wealth is 7,000 trillion won.
2. Dividing this among 50 million citizens means each citizen is a shareholder worth approximately 140 million won.
3. a 1% annual dividend on this would be 14 million won per person, which is more than enough to provide a monthly dividend of 1.5 to 2 million won.
4. He explains that the national dividend would be a minimum of 1.5 million won, but could increase to 2 million or 2.5 million if government waste is reduced.
5. He concludes by stating that his “middle-class ideology” (중산주의, jungsanjuui), which guarantees all citizens a middle-class standard of living, should be enshrined in the first article of the constitution.

Huh Kyung-young’s Public Policies on Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth, and the “Republic of Korea Inc.”

1. The Imperative for Public Policies in Addressing Societal Crises
   The current societal landscape reveals a profound disparity between the affluent and the impoverished, leading to daily struggles for those in lower economic strata. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies to alleviate economic hardship across all social classes. Every individual is inherently endowed with the right to happiness; thus, a system where wealth and well-being are concentrated among a select few is undesirable. The current administration’s failure to address the declining birthrate, which plummeted from 400,000 to 270,000 births within two and a half years, is a critical indicator of national decline. This precipitous drop in birthrate, coupled with an aging population, presents an existential threat to the nation. Despite significant budgetary allocations—approximately 20 trillion Korean Won annually, or hundreds of trillions over a decade—towards childbirth initiatives, these funds are often mismanaged by bureaucrats rather than directly benefiting expectant mothers. A more effective approach would involve providing substantial direct financial incentives, such as 100 million Korean Won per child, to encourage childbirth. The current state of affairs, where the nation’s lowest birthrate stands at 0.7%, is a source of profound frustration, signaling a national crisis. This figure, moreover, only accounts for married couples, further exacerbating the severity of the situation when considering the large number of unmarried or divorced individuals.

2. The Vision of Publicly Managed Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth
   For three decades, Huh Kyung-young has advocated for a system of publicly managed dating, marriage, and childbirth, recognizing that these fundamental aspects of life extend beyond individual capacity and necessitate state intervention. The government bears the responsibility to create an environment conducive to marriage and family formation, rather than leaving individuals to navigate these challenges alone.

Publicly Managed Dating (연애 공영제): This policy aims to address the severe decline in dating and marriage by providing a structured environment and financial support for individuals seeking partners.
Financial Support: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above would receive 200,000 Korean Won monthly as dating expenses. This payment would not be disbursed through bank accounts but directly at local district offices.
Social Venues: District offices would host monthly events, including video presentations and social gatherings, offering free meals and light refreshments (e.g., beer). These events would serve as platforms for singles to meet and interact.
Facilitated Matching: To encourage meaningful connections, attendees could be categorized by profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants, artists) and wear name tags indicating their occupation, if they choose. This system aims to streamline the dating process, acting as a “marriage market” where individuals can openly seek suitable partners.
Parental Role: This initiative effectively takes on a role traditionally held by parents, who often worry about their children remaining unmarried into their 40s and 50s.

Publicly Managed Marriage (결혼 공영제): This policy complements publicly managed dating by providing significant financial incentives for marriage.
Marriage Fund: A substantial sum of 100 million Korean Won would be provided upon marriage, along with 200-300 million Korean Won for housing.
State Responsibility: The state acknowledges its responsibility to foster a supportive environment for marriage, recognizing that individuals often face economic and social barriers.

Publicly Managed Childbirth (출산 공영제): This policy directly addresses the declining birthrate by offering considerable financial support for new parents.
Childbirth Grant: A grant of 50 million Korean Won would be provided for each child born.
Long-term Vision: This policy, first proposed three decades ago, aims to reverse the demographic crisis and ensure the nation’s future.

3. The Interconnected System of Public Policies
   These publicly managed policies are not isolated but form an interconnected system, deeply integrated with the National Dividend System (국민 배당금 제도).

National Dividend System (국민 배당금 제도): This foundational policy ensures that every citizen, from age 18 until death, receives a monthly dividend.
Monthly Income: Each individual would receive a minimum of 1.5 million Korean Won per month, potentially increasing to 2-2.5 million Korean Won if national budgets are managed efficiently.
Economic Stability: This dividend aims to guarantee a middle-class standard of living for all citizens, eliminating poverty and providing a safety net that encourages marriage and childbirth.
Shareholder Concept: The nation is conceptualized as “Republic of Korea Inc.,” where citizens are shareholders entitled to dividends from the national wealth.
Distinction from Basic Income: This differs fundamentally from a “basic income” concept, which is often seen as charity. The national dividend is a right, a share of the nation’s collective assets, not a welfare handout.

4. The Philosophical Underpinnings of Public Management: Coexistence and Co-prosperity (공존공영)
   The philosophy driving these public policies is Coexistence and Co-prosperity (공존공영), emphasizing that all aspects of human existence—wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtue—are shared communal assets.

Shared Responsibility: Just as a crime committed by one individual implicates the collective, so too are achievements and virtues shared. This perspective fosters a sense of collective responsibility and discourages envy or excessive blame.
Interconnectedness: No individual’s success or failure exists in isolation. The community plays a role in shaping individual circumstances, highlighting the need for mutual support and understanding.
Community Value: When one person achieves something great, it elevates the value of the entire community, warranting celebration and genuine support rather than jealousy.
Middle-Class Society (중산주의): The ultimate goal is to establish a society where everyone is part of the middle class, eliminating the concept of “commoners” or the impoverished. This is enshrined as the first article of the constitution.

5. Addressing Current Societal Challenges through Public Management
   The principles of public management and coexistence are particularly relevant in addressing contemporary crises.

Economic Disparities: During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, service industries, small business owners, and self-employed individuals suffer disproportionately, while large corporations and the stock market thrive. This exacerbates the wealth gap.
Inequitable Policies: Government responses, such as restrictions on certain businesses while allowing others to operate, demonstrate a lack of fairness and disregard for the principle of equality.
Support for Vulnerable Sectors: Policies should aim to support struggling sectors, such as the arts, sports, and small businesses, by implementing measures that allow them to operate safely rather than imposing blanket bans.
Fairness in Disaster Relief: Providing inadequate compensation (e.g., 2 million Korean Won for 50 million Korean Won in damages) to those affected by crises perpetuates inequality and highlights the failure of current policies.

6. Historical Precedent for Coexistence and Co-prosperity
   The concept of coexistence and co-prosperity finds a historical parallel in the actions of King Jeongjong of Joseon.

King Jeongjong’s Abdication (양이): King Jeongjong, the second monarch of Joseon, voluntarily relinquished his throne to his younger brother, King Taejong (Yi Bang-won), to prevent further fratricidal conflict.
Harmonious Governance: By stepping down and becoming a “Retired King” (상왕), Jeongjong ensured peace within the royal family and allowed Taejong to rule, demonstrating a form of shared governance or “public management” of power.
Lesson for Today: This historical example illustrates that when individuals or entities (like families or the state) collaborate and share responsibilities, rather than one party bearing the entire burden, better outcomes are achieved.

7. The Future of the Republic of Korea: A Nation of Shared Prosperity
   The implementation of these publicly managed policies—dating, marriage, childbirth, and national dividends—will create a synergistic system that fosters a truly prosperous society.

Integrated System: These policies are intricately linked, with the national dividend providing the financial foundation that enables individuals to pursue dating, marriage, and family formation.
National Wealth as Shared Asset: The Republic of Korea possesses immense national wealth, estimated at 70 quadrillion Korean Won. Divided among 50 million citizens, each citizen is a shareholder with approximately 1.4 billion Korean Won in national assets.
Citizen as Shareholder: As shareholders, citizens are entitled to a dividend from this national wealth, which is the basis for the monthly national dividend.
Elimination of Poverty: This system ensures that all citizens are guaranteed a middle-class standard of living, eradicating poverty and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.
Global Recognition: Such a system would transform Korea into a globally admired nation, a beacon of shared prosperity and communal well-being.

1. The Urgency of Public Systems for Relationships, Marriage, and Childbirth

The current state of society, where individuals remain unmarried even into their forties and fifties, poses a severe threat to the nation’s future. The declining birthrate, which plummeted from 400,000 to 270,000 births within two and a half years under the previous administration, is a critical issue. Despite this drastic decline, the budget allocated for childbirth support has paradoxically increased, yet these funds are not directly reaching expectant mothers. Instead, they are spent on research by public officials. This misallocation of resources is deeply problematic; a direct payment of 100 million Korean Won per child would be more effective in encouraging childbirth. The current system, which leaves marriage and childbirth solely to individual responsibility, is leading the nation towards collapse.

Declining Birthrate: The national birthrate has fallen to a critically low 0.7%, indicating a severe societal issue.
Mismanagement of Funds: Significant government funds intended for childbirth are being misdirected, failing to address the core problem effectively.
Individual Burden: Placing the entire burden of marriage and childbirth on individuals is unsustainable and detrimental to national well-being.
Historical Perspective: Historically, Korea, known as a “Land of Eastern Courtesy,” is now facing the ignominy of being projected as the first nation to disappear due to demographic decline.

2. The Vision of Public Systems: Love, Marriage, and Childbirth
   To counteract the severe demographic crisis, Huh Kyung-young proposes a comprehensive system of public initiatives: the Public Love System, Public Marriage System, and Public Childbirth System. These systems are designed to integrate national support with individual efforts, ensuring that the fundamental aspects of life are not left solely to individual struggle.

Public Love System:
Financial Support: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above would receive 200,000 Korean Won monthly as a “love allowance” until marriage.
Community Engagement: These funds would be disbursed at local district offices, where monthly gatherings would be held. These events would include meals, light refreshments, and activities like games and raffles, fostering opportunities for singles to meet and interact.
Facilitated Matching: To aid in finding suitable partners, these gatherings would feature segregated seating based on professions (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants, artists) and the option to wear name tags indicating one’s profession. This creates a structured yet engaging environment for individuals to seek partners.
Addressing Parental Concerns: This system aims to alleviate the burden on parents who worry about their children’s marital status, providing a public platform for relationship building.
Public Marriage System: This system would provide substantial financial support, including 100 million Korean Won for marriage and 200-300 million Korean Won for housing, to encourage couples to marry.
Public Childbirth System: This initiative would offer 50 million Korean Won per child to support families and encourage higher birthrates.

3. The Interconnectedness of Public Policies: A Systemic Approach
   These public systems are not isolated policies but are intricately linked within a larger framework, forming a comprehensive “3-3 policy” system. This integrated approach ensures that support for individuals extends beyond specific life events to encompass their overall well-being.

National Dividend System:
Universal Basic Income: Every citizen aged 18 and above would receive a monthly national dividend of 1.5 million Korean Won, potentially increasing to 2 million or 2.5 million Korean Won if government waste is reduced.
Financial Stability: This dividend aims to eliminate personal debt and ensure a middle-class standard of living for all citizens, transforming the nation into a “Republic of Korea, Inc.” where citizens are shareholders.
Distinction from Basic Income: This differs from a basic income, which is often seen as charity. The national dividend is presented as a rightful share for citizens as shareholders of the nation.
Systemic Integration: The Public Love, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems are all interconnected with the National Dividend System, creating a synergistic effect that supports citizens throughout their lives.

4. The Philosophical Foundation: Middle-Class Ideology and Shared Responsibility
   The underlying philosophy of these public systems is Middle-Class Ideology, which aims to eliminate poverty and ensure that all citizens enjoy a middle-class standard of living. This ideology is rooted in the principle of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

Elimination of Poverty: The goal is to eradicate the concept of a “lower class” by guaranteeing a baseline of economic security for everyone.
Collective Ownership: All material wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues are considered to be collectively owned by humanity. This means that individual successes and failures are, in part, shared by all.
Empathy and Non-Judgment: This collective ownership implies that one should not excessively criticize others’ wrongdoings or envy their successes, as everyone shares a part in these outcomes.
Community as the Core: The concept of “public systems” is synonymous with a “community,” where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective good.

5. Addressing Societal Challenges: Economic Disparity and Inequitable Policies
   The current political and economic landscape is criticized for exacerbating wealth inequality, leading to a situation where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This is evident in the disproportionate impact of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic on small business owners and service industry workers.

Critique of Current Policies: Existing laws and policies are seen as intentionally or unintentionally creating a system that favors the wealthy, leading to widespread debt and hardship among ordinary citizens.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has severely affected the service sector (e.g., sports, culture, entertainment, restaurants, beauty salons), while large corporations and the stock market have thrived.
Call for Fairness: There is a strong assertion for equitable policies, particularly in public health measures, to ensure that all citizens, especially those in vulnerable sectors, can sustain their livelihoods.
Constitutional Reform: A fundamental change to the constitution is proposed, with the first article explicitly stating the guarantee of a middle-class life for all citizens, thereby eliminating the concept of a “lower class.”

6. Historical Precedent for Shared Governance
   The concept of shared governance and responsibility is not new, drawing parallels from historical events. The story of King Taejo, King Jeongjong, and King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty illustrates the importance of cooperation and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

King Jeongjong’s Abdication: King Jeongjong, the second king of Joseon, voluntarily relinquished his throne to his younger brother, Taejong (Yi Bang-won), to prevent further conflict within the royal family. This act of “yielding the throne” (양위) ensured peace and stability.
Lessons for Modern Governance: This historical example highlights that when individuals or entities (like the government and its citizens) collaborate and share power, rather than one dominating the other, a more harmonious and prosperous society can be achieved. This principle of “coexistence and co-prosperity” (공존공영) is central to the proposed public systems.

7. The Path Forward: A System of Interconnected Public Initiatives
   The proposed public systems for love, marriage, and childbirth, coupled with the national dividend, form a cohesive and interdependent framework. This comprehensive approach aims to create a society where every citizen is a valued shareholder in the “Republic of Korea, Inc.,” enjoying economic security and opportunities for personal fulfillment.

Empowering Citizens: By providing financial support and fostering social environments, these policies empower individuals to pursue relationships, marry, and raise families without being hindered by economic anxieties.
National Prosperity: A thriving populace, free from financial burdens and supported in their personal lives, will contribute to the overall prosperity and strength of the nation.
A New Era of Governance: This vision calls for a fundamental shift in governance, moving away from policies that create disparity towards a system that ensures collective well-being and shared prosperity for all.

Huh Kyung-young’s Public Policies on Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth, and the Republic of Korea as a Stock Company

1. The Urgent Need for Public Engagement in Personal Life
   The current state of society, where individuals remain unmarried even into their forties and fifties, is a critical issue that the government cannot afford to ignore. If left solely to individual families, the nation faces collapse. The declining birthrate is a stark indicator of this crisis. For instance, under the previous administration, the birthrate plummeted from 400,000 to 270,000 in just two and a half years. This dramatic decrease in births, coupled with a rising elderly population, paints a grim picture for the future. Despite this, the budget allocated for childbirth support continues to increase, yet these funds are not directly reaching expectant mothers. Instead, they are reportedly spent on research by public officials. This misallocation of resources is deeply problematic. Providing a lump sum of money, such as 100 million Korean Won (approximately 72,000 USD) for childbirth or 200-300 million Korean Won (approximately 144,000-216,000 USD) for marriage, could significantly incentivize people to start families. The current approach, where the government spends trillions of Korean Won annually on ineffective policies, is a source of profound frustration. This societal phenomenon, where the birthrate is the lowest in the world at 0.7%, indicates a severe crisis. This figure, calculated based on married couples, becomes even lower when considering the entire young adult population, including those who choose not to marry or divorce. This situation is a national catastrophe, yet no political leader or public official seems to grasp its gravity.

2. The State’s Role in Fostering Marriage and Family
   The government has a fundamental responsibility to intervene in personal matters like dating, marriage, and childbirth, as these issues extend beyond individual capabilities. It is the state’s duty to create an environment conducive to marriage by ensuring good job opportunities and stable living conditions. Women, in particular, cannot simply marry any man without considering their future well-being. Therefore, the government must actively foster a societal atmosphere that encourages marriage. This is not a matter of individual responsibility alone; it is a core function of the state. Just as the government is involved in education, it must also assist with personal challenges that individuals cannot resolve on their own. The current low birthrate, especially when considering the large number of unmarried and divorced individuals, is a national crisis. This dire situation, where nearly half of young people are not marrying, leads to a birthrate as low as 0.3%, signaling national ruin. This critical issue has been consistently overlooked by politicians and public officials, leading to a future where the nation faces severe demographic challenges.

3. The Three Pillars of Public Welfare: Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth
   Huh Kyung-young advocates for a comprehensive public welfare system encompassing dating, marriage, and childbirth, which he refers to as “Gongyeongje” (공영제). This system is designed to address the critical demographic challenges facing the nation. The core idea is that the government and individuals should collaborate to create a supportive environment for family formation.

Dating Gongyeongje (연애 공영제): This policy aims to facilitate romantic relationships among single individuals.
Starting from age 20 (or 18), single individuals would receive 200,000 Korean Won (approximately 144 USD) monthly for dating expenses until they marry.
These funds would not be directly deposited into bank accounts but would be disbursed at local district offices (Gu-cheong, 구청).
At these district offices, monthly events would be held, including video screenings and social gatherings, where participants can receive their dating allowance, enjoy free meals and light refreshments like beer, and socialize in a designated venue.
These events would feature activities such as games and raffles to encourage interaction between unmarried men and women of all ages, including those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
To streamline matchmaking, participants could optionally wear name tags indicating their professions (e.g., “lawyer,” “teacher,” “civil servant”) or “unemployed” (Mu-jik, 무직), allowing individuals to seek partners with desired backgrounds. This system is envisioned as a “marriage market” (Gyeolhon Sijang, 결혼 시장) where individuals can openly seek partners with government support.

Marriage Gongyeongje (결혼 공영제): This policy provides substantial financial incentives for marriage.
Upon marriage, couples would receive 300 million Korean Won (approximately 216,000 USD) in marriage funds. This is in addition to the dating allowance, which ceases upon marriage.

Childbirth Gongyeongje (출산 공영제): This policy offers significant financial support for having children.
For each child born, families would receive 50 million Korean Won (approximately 36,000 USD) in childbirth subsidies.

These three policies are interconnected and form a holistic system designed to encourage individuals to date, marry, and have children, thereby addressing the nation’s declining birthrate.

4. The National Dividend System and the Republic of Korea as a Stock Company
   The “Gongyeongje” (공영제) policies are intrinsically linked to Huh Kyung-young’s broader vision of a “National Dividend System” (Gungmin Baedanggeum Jedo, 국민 배당금 제도) and the concept of the “Republic of Korea as a Stock Company” (Jusik Hoesa Daehanminguk, 주식회사 대한민국).

National Dividend System:
Under this system, every citizen aged 18 and above would receive a monthly national dividend of 1.5 million Korean Won (approximately 1,080 USD).
For married couples, this would effectively double, providing 3 million Korean Won (approximately 2,160 USD) per month.
This dividend is not a “basic income” (Gibon Sodeuk, 기본 소득) or welfare for the poor, but a rightful “dividend” (Baedanggeum, 배당금) for citizens as “shareholders” (Juju, 주주) of the Republic of Korea.
The amount of this dividend could increase to 2 million Korean Won (approximately 1,440 USD) or even 2.5 million Korean Won (approximately 1,800 USD) if the government manages national finances efficiently and reduces wasteful spending. This incentivizes fiscal responsibility at the national level, directly benefiting citizens.

Republic of Korea as a Stock Company:
This concept redefines the nation’s governance structure, moving away from traditional ideologies.
In this model, the President acts as the “CEO” (Daepyoisa, 대표이사), and the citizens are the “shareholders” (Juju, 주주).
The nation’s total assets are estimated at 7,000 trillion Korean Won (approximately 5 trillion USD). Divided among 50 million citizens, each citizen effectively owns 140 million Korean Won (approximately 100,000 USD) in national assets.
Therefore, the national dividend is presented as a legitimate return on investment for these “shareholders,” asserting it as a fundamental right rather than a handout.
This framework aims to establish a “middle-class society” (Jungsanjuui, 중산주의) where all citizens are guaranteed a middle-class standard of living from birth, eliminating the concept of a “commoner” (Seomin, 서민) class. This is proposed to be enshrined in the first article of the Constitution.

These interconnected policies form a comprehensive system designed to ensure economic stability and encourage family formation, fundamentally transforming the relationship between the state and its citizens.

5. The Philosophy of Shared Existence and Prosperity
   Huh Kyung-young’s vision extends beyond economic policies to a profound philosophy of “shared existence and prosperity” (Gongjon Gongyeong, 공존 공영). This principle asserts that all aspects of human life—wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtue—are fundamentally communal, not individual possessions.

Interconnectedness of All Things:
Just as the second king of Joseon, King Jeongjong (정종), wisely ceded the throne to his younger brother, King Taejong (태종), to ensure peace and stability within the royal family, society should operate on a principle of mutual concession and cooperation. This historical anecdote illustrates the idea of “Yangwi” (양위), or yielding one’s position for the greater good, leading to “Gongyeong” (공영), or shared prosperity.
This philosophy suggests that individual well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of the entire community.

Collective Ownership of Virtue and Vice:
Wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtue are not solely individual achievements but are shared assets of humanity.
Conversely, even negative aspects like crime are seen as having a collective component. If a murderer commits a crime, a small fraction of that responsibility is shared by everyone in society. This is akin to the theological concept that even if there is only one righteous person, humanity is not destroyed, implying a collective stake in individual actions.
Therefore, judging or envying others is inappropriate because everyone holds a “joint share” (Gongdong Jibun, 공동 지분) in each other’s successes and failures. When someone achieves something great, it elevates the collective value of humanity, warranting genuine celebration rather than envy.

Implications for Social Harmony:
This perspective encourages empathy and discourages judgment. When encountering someone who has committed a crime or fallen into addiction, one should recognize a shared responsibility rather than simply condemning them.
Similarly, when someone receives an award or achieves success, it should be celebrated as a collective achievement that enhances the overall value of the community.
This philosophy ultimately aims to foster a “community” (Gongdongche, 공동체) where individuals recognize their deep interconnectedness and strive for mutual support and collective flourishing. This is the essence of “Gongyeongje” (공영제)—a system where everyone thrives together.

Central Questions & Answers

1. What is Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제) and why is it needed in Korea?
   Question: What is the core idea behind Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제) for love, marriage, and childbirth, and why does he believe it’s essential for Korea’s future?
   Answer: Huh Kyung-young proposes a “Public System” (공영제) for dating, marriage, and childbirth, asserting that these are not merely private matters but national responsibilities. the current system has led to a severe decline in birth rates, making Korea the country with the lowest birth rate globally and facing the risk of national extinction. The Public System aims to address this by providing comprehensive state support to encourage these fundamental societal activities.
   Key Quote: “If parents leave their children, even at 40 or 50, unmarried, as a private family issue, our country will perish.”

2. How would the “Public Dating System” (연애 공영제) work under Huh Kyung-young’s plan?
   Question: How would Huh Kyung-young’s “Public Dating System” (연애 공영제) practically function to encourage relationships and marriage among young adults?
   Answer: The “Public Dating System” (연애 공영제) would provide single individuals aged 18 and above with 200,000 won monthly for dating expenses. This money would not be directly deposited but disbursed at local district offices (구청) during monthly events. These events would include meals, drinks (like beer), and activities such as games and raffles, creating a social environment for singles to meet. Participants could even wear name tags indicating their professions (e.g., “lawyer,” “teacher”) to facilitate connections.
   Key Quote: “Singles, from age 18, will receive 200,000 won monthly for dating expenses… at the district office, where they can attend events, eat, drink, and meet others.”

3. What financial incentives does Huh Kyung-young propose for marriage and childbirth?
   Question: Beyond dating support, what specific financial incentives does Huh Kyung-young offer for marriage and childbirth within his Public System?
   Answer: Huh Kyung-young proposes significant financial incentives to boost marriage and birth rates. He suggests providing 100 million won for marriage and 50 million won for each child born. These amounts, which he claims he advocated for 30 years ago, are part of a larger “3-3 policy” designed to alleviate economic hardship for all citizens, from the poor to the middle class.
   Key Quote: “I said 30 years ago that 50 million won should be given for childbirth, and 100 million won for marriage. They called me crazy then.”

4. What is the “National Dividend System” (국민 배당금 제도) and its connection to the Public System?
   Question: What is the “National Dividend System” (국민 배당금 제도) and how does it integrate with Huh Kyung-young’s Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems?
   Answer: The “National Dividend System” (국민 배당금 제도) is a foundational policy where every citizen aged 18 and above receives a monthly living allowance, starting at a minimum of 1.5 million won, potentially increasing to 2 million or 2.5 million won if national budgets are managed efficiently. This system is interconnected with the Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth policies, providing the financial backbone that makes these social welfare programs viable and encourages citizens to participate.
   Key Quote: “The National Dividend System provides 1.5 million won monthly. If you marry, it’s 1.5 million for each spouse, totaling 3 million. This National Dividend System is also part of the overall system.”

5. How does Huh Kyung-young view the current state of Korean politics and economy?
   Question: What is Huh Kyung-young’s critique of the current political and economic situation in Korea, particularly regarding wealth inequality and government spending?
   Answer: Huh Kyung-young criticizes the current political system for perpetuating wealth disparity (“rich get richer, poor get poorer”) and for mismanaging national funds. He points out that while the national economy ranks high globally, ordinary citizens, especially those in service industries, suffer financially. government spending on “childbirth research” is wasteful, suggesting that direct payments to families would be more effective. He views current laws as intentionally designed to benefit the wealthy, calling it “willful deception of the people.”
   Key Quote: “What are they doing? They spend hundreds of trillions on childbirth research, 20 trillion a year. If they gave 100 million won per child, people would have children.”

6. What is the philosophical basis of Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제)?
   Question: What philosophical principle underpins Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제) and his vision for society?
   Answer: The philosophical basis of Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제) is the concept of “coexistence and co-prosperity” (공존공영). He believes that all human endeavors—wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues—are shared communal assets. Therefore, individual successes and failures are interconnected, and society should operate as a collective where everyone benefits and shares responsibility. This communal ownership extends even to “sins,” implying that society collectively bears responsibility for individual wrongdoings.
   Key Quote: “Wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues are all part of the Public System. They are all communal assets.”

7. How does Huh Kyung-young propose to change the Korean Constitution?
   Question: What specific change does Huh Kyung-young propose for the first article of the Korean Constitution if he becomes president?
   Answer: If he becomes president, Huh Kyung-young proposes to abolish the current constitution and rewrite its first article to establish “Middle-Classism” (중산주의). This new constitutional principle would guarantee that all citizens, from the age of 18 until death, are assured a middle-class standard of living, receiving a minimum of 1.5 million won monthly as shareholders of “Republic of Korea Inc.” This would eliminate the concept of a “commoner” class.
   Key Quote: “If I become president, I will abolish the constitution. The first article of the constitution will state that all citizens of the Republic of Korea, as shareholders, are guaranteed a middle-class standard of living from age 18 until death, receiving 1.5 million won monthly.”

8. What is the significance of Baekdusan and Hallasan in Huh Kyung-young’s vision for Korea?
   Question: What symbolic meaning does Huh Kyung-young attribute to Baekdusan and Hallasan in relation to Korea’s destiny and his own role?
   Answer: Huh Kyung-young interprets Baekdusan (백두산) and Hallasan (한라산) as having profound symbolic meaning for the Korean people. Baekdusan signifies that the “white-clad people” (백의민족) are the leaders of the world. Hallasan, on the other hand, represents a warning against the “Han (漢) nation” (China) and the need to “block Han” (한라). He sees these mountains as embodying the Korean people’s mission to lead the world and overcome challenges, with his own birth year (1950) aligning with Hallasan’s height (1950m) as a sign of his destined role.
   Key Quote: “Baekdusan means the white-clad people are the head of the world. Hallasan means to be wary of the Han nation, to block Han. This is the mission of our ancestors and our people.”

Top 3 Recommended Questions:

What is Huh Kyung-young’s “Public System” (공영제) and why is it needed in Korea?
How would the “Public Dating System” (연애 공영제) work under Huh Kyung-young’s plan?
What is the “National Dividend System” (국민 배당금 제도) and its connection to the Public System?

Analysis and Summary of Huh Kyung-young’s Lecture

1. Basic Information
   Lecture Session and Date: 1265th Huh Kyung-young Saturday Lecture, 2021.01.09
   One-sentence Main Theme: Huh Kyung-young’s Public Systems for Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth, and the “Stock Company Republic of Korea”
   Location: Not specified, implied to be a lecture hall.
   Key Segments:
   Critique of Current Policies: An analysis of South Korea’s declining birthrate and the ineffectiveness of existing government spending on childbirth.
   Introduction of Public Systems: The proposal of “Public Dating System,” “Public Marriage System,” and “Public Childbirth System” as national responsibilities.
   Concept of “Stock Company Republic of Korea”: The idea that all citizens are shareholders of the nation and are entitled to dividends.
   Philosophical Basis of “Co-existence and Co-prosperity”: An explanation of how all aspects of human life, including wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even sin, are interconnected and shared.

2. Core Messages
   The Necessity of Public Systems for Life Stages: “Dating, marriage, and childbirth must be managed as public systems.” This indicates that these fundamental aspects of human life are too critical to be left solely to individuals and require national intervention and support.
   The “Stock Company Republic of Korea” and Citizen Dividends: “The Republic of Korea is a stock company. The citizens are shareholders.” This concept frames citizens as owners of the nation, entitled to receive a share of the national wealth, such as a monthly basic income.
   Interconnectedness through “Co-existence and Co-prosperity”: “Wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even sins are all part of a public system.” This principle suggests that human experiences and outcomes are not isolated but are collectively shared, implying a shared responsibility and interconnected destiny for all.

3. Detailed Summary
   The Dire State of South Korea’s Demographics and Economy
   Main Assertions: The current societal structure exacerbates wealth inequality, leading to hardship for the poor, commoners, and middle class. The nation’s declining birthrate is a critical issue, with the birthrate plummeting from 400,000 to 270,000 in two and a half years, while the elderly population increases. Existing government policies, such as allocating 20 trillion won annually for childbirth, are ineffective as the funds are not directly reaching those who need them.
   Examples: He cites the drastic drop in birthrate under the current administration and the misallocation of significant budgets for childbirth, suggesting that direct financial aid (e.g., 100 million won per child) would be more effective.
   Practical Message: The current approach of leaving marriage and childbirth to individual families is failing, and the nation is heading towards ruin if it does not intervene.

Introduction of Huh Kyung-young’s Public Systems
Main Assertions: Huh Kyung-young proposes “Public Dating System,” “Public Marriage System,” and “Public Childbirth System” as essential national policies. These systems are designed to address the declining birthrate and promote family formation by providing comprehensive state support.
Explanations:
Public Dating System: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above receive 200,000 won monthly for dating expenses. This money is disbursed at district offices, where participants also attend events, meals, and social gatherings to meet potential partners. These events are structured to facilitate interaction, even allowing for professional categorization (e.g., doctors, lawyers) with optional name tags.
Public Marriage System: Upon marriage, couples receive 100 million won.
Public Childbirth System: For each child born, families receive 50 million won.
Practical Message: The government must actively create an environment conducive to dating, marriage, and childbirth, rather than leaving it to individuals, who may lack the financial or social means.

The “Stock Company Republic of Korea” and National Dividend System
Main Assertions: The Republic of Korea should be viewed as a “stock company” where all citizens are “shareholders.” As shareholders, citizens are entitled to a “national dividend” (basic income). This system would replace the current welfare model, which is seen as demeaning and ineffective.
Explanation: Every citizen aged 18 and above would receive a monthly national dividend of 1.5 million won, potentially increasing to 2 million or 2.5 million won if national budgets are managed efficiently. This is presented as a right of ownership, not a handout.
Counter View: He criticizes existing “basic income” policies as treating citizens like beggars and creating unfair distinctions (e.g., denying benefits to those with cars or insurance).
Practical Message: This system aims to guarantee a middle-class standard of living for all citizens, eliminating poverty and fostering economic stability.

Critique of Current Political and Economic Systems
Main Assertions: The current political system, including the constitution and legislative processes, is flawed and contributes to wealth disparity. Laws are created with “willful negligence” (미필적 고의) to benefit the wealthy, leading to a “rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer” society.
Examples: He points to property taxes (보유세) as an infringement on citizens’ right to ownership, arguing that taxes should only apply to commercial transactions. He also criticizes the judiciary for perpetuating injustice (무전유죄, 유전무죄 – “guilty without money, innocent with money”).
Practical Message: Fundamental systemic change is required to ensure fairness and prevent the nation from collapsing under economic and social inequality.

The Principle of Co-existence and Co-prosperity (공존공영)
Main Assertions: The core principle underlying all of Huh Kyung-young’s policies is “co-existence and co-prosperity,” meaning that all humans and their experiences are interconnected and shared. This applies to wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even sins.
Analogies: He uses the analogy of two children sharing a fruit from Haneulgung, where the fruit belongs to everyone, not just one individual. He also references Jesus’ teaching about “he who is without sin cast the first stone” to illustrate shared responsibility for societal ills.
Practical Message: This philosophy encourages empathy and discourages judgment, recognizing that individual successes and failures are part of a collective human experience. It calls for celebrating others’ achievements and acknowledging shared responsibility for others’ misfortunes.

Addressing Contemporary Issues: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Main Assertions: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those in service industries (e.g., sports, culture, entertainment). While large corporations thrive, these vulnerable sectors face ruin. Government quarantine measures are criticized for lacking fairness and consistency.
Examples: He highlights the struggles of gyms, beauty salons, and entertainment venues, arguing that blanket restrictions without considering specific circumstances (e.g., masked exercise) are harmful.
Practical Message: Quarantine policies must be balanced with economic realities, ensuring that people can earn a living while maintaining public health. The government should implement “fair quarantine” measures that support all sectors of society.

4. Key Quotes Collection
   “Parents worry about their children not marrying even at 40 or 50, and if the government leaves this as a family matter, our country will collapse.” (On the urgency of national intervention in marriage and childbirth)
   “What is the point of spending 20 trillion won a year on childbirth if it doesn’t even reach mothers? If you give 100 million won per child, people might have children.” (Critiquing the inefficiency of current childbirth policies)
   “30 years ago, I said we should give 50 million won for childbirth and 100 million won for marriage. Dating, marriage, and childbirth must be public systems.” (Stating his long-standing proposals for public support in family formation)
   “Unmarried individuals aged 20 and above (or 18 and above) will receive 200,000 won monthly until marriage.” (Detailing the “Public Dating System”)
   “Marriage will also be a public system.” (Extending the public system concept to marriage)
   “The Republic of Korea is a stock company. The President is the CEO, and the citizens are shareholders.” (Defining the nation’s economic structure and citizens’ rights)
   “This is a right of the people, not something to be infringed upon.” (Asserting the fundamental right to national dividends)
   “The three major principles of capitalism are the absolute principle of ownership, the principle of freedom of contract, and the principle of fault liability.” (Explaining core capitalist principles and how current policies violate them)
   “This is a deception of the people through willful negligence.” (Accusing current politicians of intentionally harming citizens through flawed laws)
   “Wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even sins are all part of a public system. If there is even one righteous person, humanity will not perish.” (Explaining the interconnectedness of human destiny and the principle of co-existence)
   “We must create a community that fosters co-existence and co-prosperity.” (Calling for a collective effort to build a better society)
   “The national dividend system, public dating system, public marriage system, and public childbirth system are all interconnected.” (Highlighting the integrated nature of his policies)

5. Historical / Doctrinal Connections
   This lecture builds upon Huh Kyung-young’s established teachings, particularly his “33 policies” and the concept of a “Stock Company Republic of Korea.”

33 Policies: The proposals for public dating, marriage, and childbirth systems are integral parts of his broader 33 policies, which he states he has consistently advocated for 30 years. These policies are presented as a comprehensive “system” or “mechanism” where each component is interconnected and mutually supportive, much like an engine with various parts working together.
Divine-Human Theory (God-man): The lecture implicitly connects to his divine-human theory by positioning himself as the one who understands these fundamental truths and can implement the necessary changes. His unique perspective on national issues and solutions is attributed to his elevated understanding.
Co-existence and Co-prosperity (공존공영): This core doctrinal principle is explicitly articulated as the foundation for his public systems. It extends beyond economic sharing to encompass shared responsibility for collective human experiences, including virtues and vices. This concept is presented as a fundamental human principle, drawing parallels to historical figures like King Jeongjong and King Taejong, who achieved harmony through “yielding” (양이).
Middle-Class Society (중산주의): A newly emphasized point is the goal of establishing a “middle-class society” (중산주의) as the first article of the constitution. This signifies a shift from merely alleviating poverty to ensuring a baseline of prosperity for all citizens, eliminating the concept of a “commoner” class.

7. Action Items & Blessing Guidance
   Based on this lecture, the following actions and guidance are recommended:

Participate in Public Dating Events: Unmarried individuals are encouraged to attend monthly events at district offices to receive dating allowances, meals, and opportunities to meet potential partners in a structured environment.
Embrace the Spirit of Co-existence: Cultivate an understanding that all human experiences, good or bad, are interconnected. Avoid criticizing others’ misfortunes and celebrate their successes, recognizing a shared stake in collective well-being.
Support Systemic Change: Recognize the flaws in current political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality and advocate for policies that promote fairness and universal prosperity, such as the national dividend system.
Seek Spiritual Guidance for Personal Problems: For those facing difficulties such as financial hardship, family issues, military service concerns, debt, real estate problems, or legal disputes, seeking spiritual intervention (e.g., through “God-man’s blessing”) is suggested for resolution.

8. One-Sentence Overall Summary
   Huh Kyung-young advocates for a comprehensive system of public dating, marriage, and childbirth, interconnected with a national dividend for all citizens, to transform South Korea into a “Stock Company Republic” founded on the principle of “co-existence and co-prosperity,” thereby guaranteeing a middle-class standard of living for everyone and resolving societal issues through systemic, rather than piecemeal, solutions.

1. The Urgency of Societal Transformation: Addressing Poverty and Declining Birth Rates

The current societal landscape is marked by a stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished, leading to immense suffering among the less fortunate. This disparity underscores the critical need for systemic change. Huh Kyung-young of the National Revolutionary Party has consistently advocated for a “3-3 policy” over the past three decades, aiming to liberate all citizens—from the impoverished to the middle class—from economic hardship. Every individual is inherently endowed with the right to happiness, and it is undesirable for wealth and joy to be concentrated among a select few. Only Huh Kyung-young possesses the vision to fundamentally uplift household economies and establish a veritable paradise free from financial worries.

2. The Crisis of Declining Birth Rates and Ineffective Policies
   The nation faces a severe demographic crisis, evidenced by a drastic decline in birth rates. For instance, under the previous administration, the annual birth rate plummeted from 400,000 to 270,000 within two and a half years. This precipitous drop occurs even as the elderly population continues to expand. Paradoxically, despite the falling birth rate, the budget allocated for childbirth-related initiatives has steadily increased, reaching approximately 20 trillion Korean Won annually. This substantial sum, however, is not directly benefiting expectant mothers or new parents. Instead, it is largely consumed by administrative overhead and research, yielding little tangible impact. A more direct approach, such as providing a lump sum of 100 million Korean Won per child, could significantly incentivize childbirth.

3. The Misguided Approach to Societal Issues
   The current governmental approach to critical societal issues, particularly the declining birth rate, is deeply flawed. The nation’s birth rate stands at a dismal 0.7%, one of the lowest globally, indicating a severe reluctance to have children. This figure becomes even more alarming when considering the large number of unmarried or divorced individuals. The government’s failure to intervene in personal matters like marriage and childbirth, leaving them solely to individual families, is a recipe for national decline. This hands-off approach ignores the systemic barriers preventing people from marrying and having children, such as the lack of stable employment and supportive environments.

4. The State’s Responsibility in Fostering Marriage and Family
   The state has a fundamental responsibility to create an environment conducive to marriage and family formation. It is unreasonable to expect individuals to bear the full burden of these decisions when societal conditions are challenging.
   Creating Opportunities: The government should actively facilitate good job opportunities and establish conditions that encourage marriage.
   Supporting Individuals: Women, in particular, cannot simply marry any man without considering their future well-being. The state must cultivate a supportive atmosphere for marriage.
   Beyond Individual Capacity: Issues like marriage and childbirth extend beyond individual capabilities and necessitate national intervention.

5. The Three Pillars of Filial Piety and Societal Decline
   Filial piety, a cornerstone of traditional Korean values, encompasses three main aspects:
   Material Support: Providing for parents’ basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
   Emotional Fulfillment: Bringing joy to parents by marrying and having grandchildren.
   Reputational Honor: Achieving personal success that brings honor to one’s parents.
   The current societal trend, where many individuals remain unmarried into their 40s and 50s, signifies a profound failure in fulfilling the second aspect of filial piety. This neglect is not merely a personal failing but a national crisis, transforming Korea from a “Land of Eastern Courtesy” into a nation facing demographic extinction.

6. Korea’s Looming Demographic Crisis
   Demographers worldwide predict that South Korea is on track to be the first nation to disappear due to its critically low birth rate. This alarming forecast highlights the severe consequences of the current demographic trajectory. The nation’s unique cultural identity and historical legacy are at risk if this trend continues unchecked.

7. The Symbolic Significance of Baekdusan and Hallasan
   The mountains of Baekdusan and Hallasan hold profound symbolic meaning for the Korean people, representing a historical mission.
   Baekdusan (백두산): The character “Baek” (白) signifies “white” or “pure,” and “Du” (頭) means “head” or “leader.” Thus, Baekdusan symbolizes the Korean people as a “white-clad nation” destined to lead the world.
   Hallasan (한라산): The character “Han” (漢) refers to the Han Chinese, and “Ra” (拏) means “to seize” or “to pull.” This implies a historical imperative for Korea to manage or lead China, preventing its dominance.
   These names are not mere geographical markers but embody the destiny of the Korean people to guide global affairs.

8. Huh Kyung-young’s Role in Fulfilling National Destiny
   Huh Kyung-young asserts his personal connection to this national destiny, noting that Hallasan’s height of 1,950 meters corresponds to his birth year (1950). He views his arrival as a fulfillment of this historical mission, emphasizing the need for the Korean people to marry and procreate to ensure the nation’s survival and leadership role. Ignoring this collective responsibility for individual gain will lead to the disappearance of the Korean nation.

9. The Public System of Love (연애 공영제)
   The Public System of Love (연애 공영제) is a crucial component of addressing the severe decline in birth rates. This system aims to facilitate romantic relationships and marriage by providing direct support.
   Monthly Allowance: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above will receive a monthly allowance of 200,000 Korean Won.
   Distribution Method: This allowance will be disbursed directly at local district offices, not through bank transfers.
   Mandatory Participation: Recipients must attend monthly events, including video screenings and social gatherings.
   Social Events: These gatherings will offer free meals and light refreshments (e.g., beer) in a designated venue, encouraging interaction among single men and women.
   Interactive Activities: Events will feature games and raffles to foster natural connections.
   Age Inclusivity: The system is open to all unmarried individuals, regardless of age, including those in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

10. Facilitating Meaningful Connections in the Public System of Love
    To enhance the effectiveness of the Public System of Love, the system will incorporate features designed to help individuals find suitable partners.
    Professional Groupings: Participants will be grouped by profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants, artists, or those without specific professions).
    Identification: Attendees can choose to wear name tags indicating their profession, facilitating targeted interactions.
    “Human Marriage Market”: This system functions as a “human marriage market,” where individuals can openly seek partners, similar to how farmers inspect livestock at a market. This direct and transparent approach aims to overcome the difficulties individuals face in finding partners independently.
    Shared Responsibility: This initiative embodies the principle of public-private partnership (공영제), where the state collaborates with individuals to address the challenges of love, marriage, and childbirth.

11. The Interconnected System of Public Policies
    Huh Kyung-young’s policies are not isolated but form an interconnected system designed to support individuals throughout their lives.
    Public System of Love: Provides a monthly allowance of 200,000 Korean Won for dating expenses.
    Public System of Marriage: Offers 300 million Korean Won for marriage expenses.
    Public System of Childbirth: Provides 50 million Korean Won per child.
    National Dividend System: This system is the foundational energy source, providing a monthly dividend of 1.5 million Korean Won to all citizens aged 18 and above. For married couples, this means a combined 3 million Korean Won per month.
    These policies are intricately linked, creating a comprehensive support structure that encourages individuals to form families and contribute to national prosperity.

12. The Republic of Korea as a Stock Company and Citizen Shareholding
    Huh Kyung-young envisions the Republic of Korea as a stock company (주식회사 대한민국), where every citizen is a shareholder (주주).
    Shift from Ideology: This concept moves beyond outdated ideologies like “democratic people’s republic” and focuses on tangible economic benefits for citizens.
    Constitutional Amendment: The first article of the constitution would be revised to enshrine “middle-class-ism” (중산주의), guaranteeing every citizen a middle-class standard of living from birth to death, supported by a national dividend of 1.5 million Korean Won per month.
    Elimination of Poverty: This fundamental constitutional change would eliminate the concept of “common people” (서민) or “lower class,” ensuring that all citizens are part of the middle class.
    Critique of Current Politics: The current political system is criticized for perpetuating wealth disparity, where the intelligent benefit while the common people struggle with debt and hardship. This is seen as a “malicious intent” (미필적 고의) by politicians who create laws that exacerbate inequality.

13. The Flaws of Existing Welfare Systems
    Current welfare systems, such as basic income, are fundamentally flawed and disrespectful to citizens.
    “Basic Income” vs. “National Dividend”: Basic income is viewed as treating citizens like beggars, implying they lack the means to support themselves. In contrast, the national dividend is a right, a return on their inherent ownership in the “Republic of Korea as a stock company.”
    Conditional Aid: Existing welfare programs often impose conditions, such as denying aid to those who own a car or have insurance, effectively trapping recipients in poverty. This creates a system where individuals are penalized for attempting to improve their circumstances.
    Misleading Policies: Such policies are deceptive, offering minimal support while undermining citizens’ fundamental rights and dignity.

14. The Seven Rights of Citizens and the Infringement of Property Rights
    Citizens possess seven fundamental rights:
    Right to Life (생존권)
    Right to Property (소유권)
    Right to Equality (평등권)
    Right to Political Participation (참정권)
    Right to Social Welfare (사회권)
    Right to Claim (청구권)
    Right to Liberty (자유권)
    However, the current system, particularly through property taxes (보유세) and asset taxes (재산세), infringes upon the Right to Property (소유권).
    Taxation on Ownership: Imposing taxes on assets already purchased (e.g., cars, houses) is seen as a violation of absolute property rights, as taxation should primarily occur at the point of transaction.
    Capitalist Principles: This practice contradicts the three core principles of capitalism: absolute property rights, freedom of contract, and liability for negligence.

15. The Principles of Democracy and the Deception of the People
    Democracy is founded on three core principles:
    Human Dignity: The inherent worth and respect for every individual.
    Pursuit of Happiness: The right of individuals to seek and achieve happiness.
    Absolute Fairness: The principle of complete impartiality and justice.
    However, the current political system, through its tax policies and legislative actions, systematically undermines these democratic ideals. Politicians are accused of enacting laws that knowingly create and perpetuate wealth inequality, a “deception of the people with malicious intent” (미필적 고의에 의한 국민 기만죄). This results in a society where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, leading to widespread despair and bankruptcy.

16. The Wisdom of Hwang Hui and the Need for Shared Governance
    The historical figure of Hwang Hui (황희), a revered Prime Minister during King Sejong’s reign, serves as an example of wise governance. His 23 years of service as the chief minister (영의정) highlight the importance of experienced and ethical leadership. The current political landscape lacks such figures who genuinely understand and address the suffering of the people. He expresses deep frustration with the prevailing political system, which he believes is a consequence of the public’s misguided choices.

17. The Historical Precedent of Shared Power: King Jeongjong and King Taejong
    The concept of shared governance, or public-private partnership (공영), finds a historical parallel in the relationship between King Jeongjong and King Taejong during the Joseon Dynasty.
    King Jeongjong’s Abdication: King Jeongjong, the second monarch, voluntarily abdicated his throne to his younger brother, Yi Bang-won (later King Taejong), stating, “You rule; I will be the retired king (상왕).” This act of yielding the throne (양위) prevented further fratricidal conflict and allowed for a peaceful transition of power.
    Cooperative Governance: This arrangement, where one brother became the active ruler (하왕) and the other a respected elder (상왕), exemplifies a form of shared governance that fostered stability.
    This historical event underscores the idea that collaboration and mutual concession, rather than individual ambition, can lead to collective well-being.

18. Applying Shared Governance to Modern Society
    The historical example of King Jeongjong and King Taejong illustrates the principle of coexistence and co-prosperity (공존공영).
    Beyond Individual Responsibility: Just as King Jeongjong recognized the futility of individual struggle for power, modern society must acknowledge that individuals cannot solve complex issues like marriage and childbirth alone.
    Collective Action: The state and its citizens must engage in a “public-private partnership” (공영) to address these challenges, ensuring that everyone benefits.
    This philosophy of shared responsibility and mutual benefit is central to Huh Kyung-young’s proposed public systems.

19. The Concept of “Public-Private Partnership” (공영제) as a Community Model
    The term public-private partnership (공영제) can be understood as a community model (공동체).
    Shared Ownership: All material wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues are collectively owned by humanity.
    Collective Responsibility: This means that individuals are not solely responsible for their actions or circumstances; society shares a collective stake in both good and bad outcomes.
    Empathy and Support: When someone commits a crime or experiences hardship, it reflects a shared societal responsibility, not just an individual failing. Similarly, when someone achieves success, it elevates the entire community.
    This perspective encourages empathy, mutual support, and a rejection of envy or condemnation.

20. The Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Need for Fairness
    The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe inequalities within the economy.
    Disproportionate Impact: Small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those in the service, sports, culture, and entertainment sectors have suffered immense losses.
    Corporate Resilience: In contrast, large and medium-sized enterprises have largely remained stable, with the stock market even experiencing a boom.
    Economic Disparity: While South Korea’s overall economic standing has risen globally (e.g., to 7th in OECD countries), this prosperity has not trickled down to the most vulnerable segments of society.
    Governmental Inequity: The government’s pandemic response has been criticized for its lack of fairness, imposing strict restrictions on certain service industries (e.g., restaurants, gyms, religious gatherings) while allowing others (e.g., subways) to operate with less stringent measures.

21. Advocating for Balanced Pandemic Measures and Economic Support
    A more balanced approach to pandemic management is essential, one that prioritizes both public health and economic survival.
    Targeted Restrictions: Instead of blanket bans, measures should allow businesses to operate with strict adherence to safety protocols (e.g., mask-wearing, contact tracing).
    Support for Vulnerable Sectors: Industries like gyms, hair salons, and cultural venues, which often rely on fixed memberships, should be allowed to operate with reduced capacity to prevent widespread bankruptcies and suicides.
    Critique of Current Policy: The current “all-or-nothing” approach to quarantine, while effective in controlling the virus, is economically devastating and lacks compassion. A truly effective policy must enable people to earn a living while maintaining public health.

22. The Interconnectedness of Public Systems and National Prosperity
    The proposed public systems—National Dividend, Public System of Love, Public System of Marriage, and Public System of Childbirth—are all interconnected and designed to foster national prosperity.
    Holistic Approach: These policies form a comprehensive “system” (시스템) that addresses various aspects of citizens’ lives, from financial stability to family formation.
    President as CEO: In this “Republic of Korea as a stock company,” the President acts as the CEO, and citizens are shareholders.
    National Wealth: The nation’s total assets, estimated at 7,000 trillion Korean Won, when divided among 50 million citizens, amounts to approximately 140 million Korean Won per person.
    Dividend Calculation: A 1% annual dividend on this shareholding would yield 1.4 million Korean Won per person, demonstrating the financial feasibility of the national dividend.

23. The Flexibility and Growth of the National Dividend
    The National Dividend is designed to be flexible and grow over time.
    Minimum Guarantee: While a minimum of 1.5 million Korean Won per month is guaranteed, this amount can increase.
    Fiscal Responsibility: The more efficiently the government manages national finances and reduces wasteful spending, the higher the dividend can become, potentially reaching 2 million or even 2.5 million Korean Won per month.
    Citizen Empowerment: This system empowers citizens by directly linking government efficiency to their personal financial well-being.

24. The Philosophy of Middle-Class-ism (중산주의)
    The core philosophy underpinning these policies is Middle-Class-ism (중산주의).
    Universal Middle Class: This ideology aims to ensure that all citizens are guaranteed a middle-class standard of living from the outset, effectively eliminating poverty.
    National Responsibility: It asserts that the state, as a wealthy nation, has a responsibility to ensure its citizens do not suffer from economic hardship, contrasting with the current reality where a rich nation has impoverished citizens.
    Shared Values: This approach emphasizes the shared nature of wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues, promoting a collective responsibility for societal well-being and discouraging envy or condemnation.

25. Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action and a New Paradigm
    The current challenges facing South Korea, from declining birth rates to economic inequality, demand a fundamental shift in governance. Huh Kyung-young’s vision of public systems and “Middle-Class-ism” offers a comprehensive solution rooted in the principles of shared responsibility, mutual prosperity, and citizen empowerment. This paradigm shift is essential for the nation to overcome its crises and fulfill its destiny as a leading global entity.

Meeting Minutes: Huh Kyung-young’s Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth Policies and “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.”

Ⅰ. Meeting Overview

Category	Details
Date	January 9, 2021
Event	1265th Huh Kyung-young Saturday Lecture
Speaker	Huh Kyung-young, Leader of the National Revolutionary Party
Topic	Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth Policies, and the concept of “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.”
Audience	Domestic and international viewers via YouTube

Ⅱ. Meeting Discussion
1. The Seriousness of Low Birth Rates and the Need for Public Policies

• The current low birth rate in Korea is a critical issue, with the birth rate dropping from 400,000 to 270,000 in two and a half years, while the elderly population continues to increase.

• Despite a decreasing birth rate, the budget allocated for childbirth support has been increasing, but it is not directly reaching expectant mothers.

• Huh Kyung-young proposed 30 years ago that the government should provide 50 million won for childbirth and 100 million won for marriage, along with 200-300 million won for housing, to address the declining birth rate.

• The current birth rate of 0.7% is a national crisis, and the government’s inaction is leading the nation towards ruin.

• The government has a responsibility to create an environment conducive to marriage and childbirth, as individuals cannot solve these problems alone.
  2. Huh Kyung-young’s Public Policies (Gongyeongje) for Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth

• Public Dating System (Yeonae Gongyeongje)

  • Single individuals aged 20 and above (or 18 and above) will receive 200,000 won per month for dating expenses until they marry.
  • This allowance will be distributed at district offices, where participants must attend monthly events, including video screenings and social gatherings.
  • These events will provide free food and drinks (e.g., beer and snacks) and serve as a venue for singles to meet through games and raffles.
  • Participants can be categorized by profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants) and wear name tags indicating their occupation if they wish, facilitating introductions.

• Public Marriage System (Gyeolhon Gongyeongje)

  • The government will provide 300 million won for marriage, including 100 million won for wedding expenses and 200 million won for housing.
  • This system aims to alleviate the financial burden of marriage and encourage more people to tie the knot.

• Public Childbirth System (Chulsan Gongyeongje)

  • The government will provide 50 million won for each child born.
  • These public policies are interconnected with the National Dividend System (Gukmin Baedanggeum Jedo).
    3. The National Dividend System and “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.”

• The National Dividend System proposes a monthly payment of 1.5 million won to all citizens aged 18 and above.

• This payment is considered a dividend to the citizens, who are shareholders of “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.”.

• The current constitution should be abolished and replaced with a new one that guarantees a middle-class standard of living for all citizens from birth, eliminating the concept of “commoners”.

• The national wealth of Korea is estimated at 7,000 trillion won, which, when divided among 50 million people, amounts to approximately 1.4 billion won per person.

• A 1% annual dividend on this amount would be 14 million won per person, or roughly 1.1 million won per month.

• The minimum monthly dividend is 1.5 million won, but it could increase to 2 million or 2.5 million won if government waste is reduced.

• The current tax system, including property taxes and acquisition taxes, infringes upon citizens’ property rights, which is a fundamental principle of capitalism.

• The government’s current welfare policies, such as basic income, are seen as treating citizens as beggars and creating dependency, rather than recognizing their rights as shareholders.

• Huh Kyung-young criticizes the current political system for creating a society of “rich get richer, poor get poorer” through laws that intentionally or unintentionally disadvantage the common people.
  4. The Concept of “Gongyeong” (Shared Prosperity) and “Gongdongche” (Community)

• The term “Gongyeongje” (공영제) signifies that the government and individuals work together, sharing responsibility and benefits.

• This concept extends to all aspects of life, including wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues, which are all considered to be collectively owned by humanity.

• Therefore, individuals should not criticize others’ wrongdoings excessively or envy others’ success, as everyone shares a collective stake in these aspects.

• The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for a “Gongdongche” (community) approach, where those less affected support those in service industries (small business owners, self-employed, cultural and sports sectors) who are suffering disproportionately.

• Government policies, such as restrictions on gatherings, should be fair and consider the livelihoods of all citizens, allowing businesses to operate with proper safety measures.

Ⅲ. Action Items

• National Revolutionary Party: Advocate for the implementation of the Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems, and the National Dividend System as core policies.
• Huh Kyung-young: Continue to promote the “Gongyeongje” and “Gongdongche” philosophies through lectures and public discourse.
• Citizens: Understand their rights as “shareholders” of “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.” and demand policies that ensure their economic well-being and social equality.

Huh Kyung-young’s Public Systems for Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth, and the Corporation Republic of Korea

1. The Imperative for Public Systems in Addressing Societal Crises
   The current societal landscape reveals a profound struggle among the impoverished, common, and middle-income classes, exacerbated by widening wealth disparities. Every individual is inherently endowed with the right to happiness; thus, the concentration of wealth and well-being within a select few is an undesirable phenomenon. The National Revolutionary Party, under the leadership of Huh Kyung-young, has consistently advocated for a “3-3 policy” over the past three decades, aiming to liberate all citizens from economic hardship. Only Huh Kyung-young possesses the vision to establish a terrestrial paradise free from financial concerns, and no other viable alternative exists.

The precipitous decline in birth rates, from 400,000 to 270,000 within two and a half years during the previous administration, signals a national crisis. Concurrently, the elderly population continues to expand. Despite this alarming trend, substantial budgets allocated for childbirth initiatives, amounting to trillions of won over a decade and 20 trillion won annually, are not directly benefiting expectant mothers. Instead, these funds are reportedly consumed by bureaucratic research, a practice deemed inefficient and wasteful. A direct disbursement of 100 million won per child, for instance, could significantly incentivize childbirth, appealing to the psychological motivations of potential parents. The current governmental approach, which fails to provide substantial financial support, is deeply regrettable.

The nation’s current birth rate, a mere 0.7%, is among the lowest globally, indicating a near cessation of childbirth. This figure, calculated based on married couples, becomes even more dire when considering the entire young adult population, including unmarried individuals and those who refuse marriage. This demographic collapse poses an existential threat to the nation. Thirty years ago, I proposed childbirth subsidies of 50 million won and marriage subsidies of 100 million won, along with housing funds of 200 to 300 million won, advocating for public intervention in dating, marriage, and childbirth. Such proposals were then dismissed as unrealistic populism. However, the current trajectory suggests that neglecting these issues will lead to profound regret when it is too late.

The notion that individual families alone should bear the burden of marriage and child-rearing is fundamentally flawed. The state has a responsibility to create an environment conducive to marriage, including providing stable employment opportunities. Women, in particular, cannot be expected to commit their lives to just any partner without adequate societal support. The government’s failure to address these fundamental needs, instead leaving them to individual capacity, undermines the very purpose of a nation. Essential services like education, which individuals cannot manage alone, necessitate governmental assistance.

The current birth rate, even among married individuals, is alarmingly low. When factoring in the large number of unmarried and divorced individuals, the overall birth rate plummets further, indicating a national catastrophe. No political figure or public official has demonstrated a serious understanding of this crisis. My solitary voice, advocating for these measures for three decades, has been met with derision. Yet, the future will reveal the profound consequences of ignoring these warnings.

2. The Three Pillars of Filial Piety and Societal Responsibility
   Filial piety, a cornerstone of traditional values, encompasses three primary aspects: material support, emotional well-being, and the continuation of the family line through grandchildren.

Material Support (物質孝道): This involves providing for the parents’ basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Emotional Well-being (心意孝道): This refers to bringing joy to parents, particularly through marriage and the birth of grandchildren. The absence of grandchildren causes immense sorrow to parents.
Legacy (大孝): This signifies achieving personal success and bringing honor to the family name, making parents proud.

These three forms of filial piety are primarily to be fulfilled during the parents’ lifetime. Posthumous acts of remembrance, such as honoring their memory and avoiding actions that would bring shame, are also important but secondary to living filial piety.

The current societal trend, where individuals reach their 40s and 50s without marrying or having children, represents a profound failure of filial duty. Visiting ancestral graves without fulfilling these fundamental responsibilities is meaningless. The expectation that individuals should marry and procreate is a basic tenet of societal continuity, especially in a nation historically known for its decorum.

3. The Existential Threat of Declining Birth Rates and National Destiny
   Korea faces the unique and alarming prospect of being the first nation globally to disappear due to its critically low birth rate. This demographic crisis is a source of national shame, contrasting sharply with countries like China, where a large population might justify lower birth rates. The historical significance of mountains like Hallasan and Baekdusan, deeply embedded in the national consciousness, carries a profound message about the destiny of the Korean people.

Baekdusan (白頭山): Symbolizes the “white-clad people” (白衣民族) as the head (頭) of the world, destined to lead.
Hallasan (漢拏山): The character “Han” (漢) refers to China’s Han dynasty, and “Na” (拏) means to “grasp” or “control.” This signifies the imperative for Korea to manage or lead China, rather than being subsumed by it.

This interpretation suggests a national mission for the Korean people to guide the Asian continent and, by extension, the world. My birth year, 1950, coinciding with the height of Hallasan’s elevation (1950 meters), is presented as a symbolic alignment with this national destiny. The current neglect of marriage and childbirth, driven by individualistic pursuits, threatens to erase this national identity.

4. The Public Systems for Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth
   To counteract the severe demographic crisis, a comprehensive system of public support for dating, marriage, and childbirth is proposed.

Public Dating System (연애 공영제):
Financial Support: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above will receive 200,000 won monthly for dating expenses until marriage. This payment is disbursed directly at local government offices, not through bank transfers.
Social Events: These offices will host monthly gatherings, providing meals and light refreshments (e.g., beer) in a festive atmosphere. These events are designed to facilitate interactions among single men and women.
Structured Introductions: Participants can be categorized by profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants, artists, or those without specific professions). Optional name tags indicating profession can be worn to aid in introductions. This creates a structured “marriage market” where individuals can seek compatible partners.
Purpose: This system aims to alleviate the burden on parents who worry about their adult children remaining unmarried, effectively transforming a private concern into a public initiative.

Public Marriage System (결혼 공영제):
Upon marriage, couples will receive a substantial sum of 300 million won, including 100 million won for marriage expenses. This financial incentive is designed to encourage marriage.

Public Childbirth System (출산 공영제):
For each child born, parents will receive 50 million won.

These public systems are interconnected with the National Dividend System (국민 배당금 제도), forming a holistic framework.

National Dividend System: Every citizen aged 18 and above receives a monthly dividend of 1.5 million won. For married couples, this amounts to 3 million won per month. This system ensures a basic standard of living, eliminating the need for debt and providing financial stability.

This integrated approach, referred to as the “330 policy,” is a comprehensive mechanism where each component supports the others, much like the interconnected parts of an engine.

5. The Corporation Republic of Korea and Citizen Shareholder Rights
   The Republic of Korea should be conceptualized as a Corporation Republic of Korea (주식회사 대한민국), where citizens are shareholders, and the President acts as the CEO. This paradigm shift moves beyond outdated ideologies and establishes a new constitutional order.

Constitutional Reform: The first article of the constitution would be revised to enshrine Middle-Classism (중산주의), guaranteeing every citizen, from age 18 until death, a monthly living allowance of 1.5 million won, ensuring a middle-class standard of living. This eliminates the concept of a “commoner” class.
Critique of Existing Welfare:
Current welfare policies, such as “basic income,” are deemed insufficient and demeaning, treating citizens as recipients of charity rather than rightful shareholders.
The existing system often disqualifies individuals from basic livelihood support if they own a car or have insurance, trapping them in poverty.
Such policies are seen as a “willful blindness” (미필적 고의) by politicians, who create laws that exacerbate wealth inequality while feigning ignorance of the consequences.

Citizen’s Rights: Citizens, as shareholders of the Corporation Republic of Korea, possess inherent rights, including:
Right to Existence (생존권)
Right to Property (소유권)
Right to Equality (평등권)
Right to Participation (참정권)
Social Rights (사회권)
Right to Claim (청구권)
Right to Liberty (자유권)

The current tax system, particularly property taxes (보유세), infringes upon the fundamental right to property, a core principle of capitalism. Taxation should primarily occur at the point of transaction (e.g., buying or selling property, purchasing goods), not merely for ownership. The existing legal framework, which permits such taxes, is a “deception of the people” (국민 기만죄) perpetrated by the legislative and judicial branches.

6. The Principle of Coexistence and Co-prosperity (共存共榮)
   The proposed public systems and the concept of the Corporation Republic of Korea are rooted in the principle of Coexistence and Co-prosperity (共存共榮), also referred to as Communalism (공동체). This philosophy posits that all aspects of human existence—wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtues—are collectively owned.

Shared Responsibility for Transgressions: If a crime is committed, such as a murder or bank robbery, the responsibility is not solely that of the perpetrator but is shared by the entire community. This is why, in theological contexts, the presence of even one righteous person can prevent the destruction of humanity, as their righteousness is a shared asset.
Collective Ownership of Virtues: Similarly, acts of virtue or achievements by individuals contribute to the collective good. Celebrating another’s success is an acknowledgment of this shared value, rather than an act of envy.
Interconnectedness of Humanity: The existence of a prostitute, for instance, implies a societal context that enables such a profession. If no one were susceptible to temptation, such a role would not exist. This illustrates that individual actions and circumstances are deeply intertwined with the collective.

Therefore, judging or condemning others is inappropriate, as everyone shares a collective stake in both positive and negative societal phenomena. This understanding fosters empathy and mutual support, essential for building a harmonious society.

7. Addressing Contemporary Challenges through Public Systems
   The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for these public systems. While large corporations and the stock market thrive, small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those in the service, sports, culture, and religious sectors are suffering immense losses.

Disproportionate Impact: The government’s pandemic response has created inequities, with strict restrictions disproportionately affecting certain sectors while others remain relatively untouched.
Call for Fairness: While K-quarantine efforts have garnered international recognition, their implementation must ensure fairness and allow people to earn a living. Blanket restrictions, such as limiting gatherings to five people, devastate industries like entertainment and self-employment, leading to widespread bankruptcies and suicides.
Balanced Approach: A balanced approach is necessary, where strict adherence to safety protocols (e.g., mask-wearing, contact tracing) allows businesses like gyms and salons to operate, even with reduced capacity. This prevents the collapse of vital sectors and protects livelihoods.

The current situation, where the wealthy prosper while the poor struggle, exemplifies the very wealth disparity that the proposed public systems aim to rectify. By implementing these interconnected public systems for dating, marriage, childbirth, and national dividends, the nation can foster a society where all citizens are guaranteed a dignified life, transforming Korea into a truly blessed nation. The national wealth, estimated at 70 quadrillion won, when divided among 50 million citizens, amounts to approximately 1.4 billion won per person, justifying a substantial national dividend. This dividend, starting at a minimum of 1.5 million won per month, could increase to 2 million or 2.5 million won if government waste is curtailed. This approach ensures that national resources are returned to the people, who are the true owners of the Corporation Republic of Korea.

1. The Urgency of Public Systems for Relationships, Marriage, and Childbirth

The current societal challenges, particularly the declining birthrate, are not merely individual family matters but a critical national crisis. The nation’s birthrate has drastically fallen from 400,000 to 270,000 in just two and a half years, while the elderly population continues to grow. This alarming trend indicates a severe imbalance. Despite significant budget allocations for childbirth initiatives, these funds are often mismanaged by officials rather than directly supporting families. Providing substantial financial incentives, such as 50 million won for childbirth and 100 million won for marriage, as proposed decades ago, could encourage more people to start families. The government has a responsibility to create an environment conducive to marriage and childbirth, rather than leaving it solely to individuals.

2. The Public System for Relationships: Fostering Connections
   The Public System for Relationships is designed to address the severe decline in marriage and birthrates by actively facilitating romantic connections.

Monthly Allowance: Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above would receive 200,000 won monthly for dating expenses.
Community Hubs: These funds would be disbursed at local district offices, which would also host monthly events.
These events would include video presentations, communal meals, and light refreshments like beer.
They would serve as venues for singles to meet, participate in games, and interact.
Facilitated Introductions: Attendees could choose to wear name tags indicating their professions (e.g., “lawyer,” “teacher,” “civil servant”) to help individuals connect based on shared interests or desired backgrounds.
Governmental Support: This system transforms dating into a collaborative effort between the state and individuals, ensuring that the government actively supports the formation of relationships.

3. The Interconnectedness of Public Systems: A Holistic Approach
   The Public System for Relationships is part of a larger, interconnected framework that includes Public Marriage and Public Childbirth Systems, all supported by the National Dividend System.

Financial Incentives:
Relationships: 200,000 won monthly.
Childbirth: 50 million won.
Marriage: 300 million won (including 100 million won for marriage funds and 200 million won for housing).
National Dividend System: This system provides a monthly living allowance of 1.5 million won to every citizen aged 18 and above.
For married couples, this means a combined 3 million won per month.
This dividend acts as a foundational support, making the other public systems more effective and appealing.
Systemic Integration: These policies are not isolated but form a comprehensive system or mechanism, where each component reinforces the others to achieve national prosperity and stability.

4. Redefining the Nation: “Republic of Korea Inc.” and Citizen Shareholding
   The current political ideology, often focused on abstract concepts like “democracy,” is outdated. Instead, the nation should be viewed as “Republic of Korea Inc.”, where citizens are shareholders and the president is the CEO.

Constitutional Reform: The first article of the constitution should be revised to establish “Middle-Classism” (Jung-san-ju-ui), guaranteeing a middle-class standard of living for all citizens from the age of 18.
Citizen’s Rights as Shareholders: As shareholders, citizens are entitled to dividends from the nation’s wealth.
The national wealth, estimated at 7,000 trillion won, when divided among 50 million citizens, amounts to approximately 140 million won per person.
A 1% annual dividend on this share would be 1.4 million won, which translates to a monthly dividend of 1.5 million won, potentially increasing to 2 million or 2.5 million won if government waste is reduced.
Critique of “Basic Income”: The concept of “basic income” is rejected as it implies citizens are beggars receiving charity. Instead, “National Dividends” are a rightful entitlement, reflecting citizens’ ownership stake in the nation.
Challenging Existing Laws: Policies like property taxes and acquisition taxes are seen as infringements on citizens’ property rights, a fundamental principle of capitalism. True capitalism dictates that taxes should primarily arise from commercial transactions, not from mere ownership.

5. The Principle of Coexistence and Co-prosperity: A Shared Destiny
   The philosophy underpinning these public systems is coexistence and co-prosperity (Gong-jon Gong-yeong), emphasizing that all aspects of human experience—wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even wrongdoing—are shared collectively.

Shared Responsibility: Just as a single righteous person can prevent a community’s downfall, the actions of individuals, whether good or bad, affect the entire collective.
This means that no one is entirely free from the collective burden of wrongdoing, nor is anyone solely responsible for their blessings.
Therefore, judging others harshly or envying their success is inappropriate, as everyone is interconnected.
Community Value: This concept fosters a sense of community where individual achievements elevate the collective, and collective support mitigates individual struggles.
Historical Precedent: The historical example of King Jeongjong yielding the throne to King Taejong (Yi Bang-won) illustrates this principle. Jeongjong’s act of “yielding” (Yang-wi) ensured peace and co-prosperity within the royal family, rather than continued conflict. This historical wisdom should guide modern governance.

6. Addressing Contemporary Challenges: Economic Disparity and Pandemic Response
   The current economic landscape, exacerbated by the pandemic, highlights the urgent need for these public systems.

Economic Disparity: While large corporations and the stock market thrive, small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those in the service sector (e.g., sports, culture, entertainment, religion) are suffering immense financial hardship.
Flawed Pandemic Response: Government pandemic measures, while aiming for public health, have often lacked fairness and equity.
Restrictions on gatherings and business operations disproportionately affect certain sectors, leading to widespread debt and despair.
A more balanced approach is needed, allowing businesses to operate with strict safety protocols (e.g., masks, contact tracing) rather than blanket closures.
The “K-Quarantine” Paradox: While South Korea’s “K-Quarantine” has gained international recognition, its implementation must ensure that it does not inadvertently create greater economic hardship for its own citizens. The government must prioritize saving livelihoods while maintaining public health.

7. The Vision of Middle-Classism: A Nation of Shared Prosperity
   The ultimate goal is to establish a society founded on Middle-Classism, where every citizen is guaranteed a dignified life.

Eliminating Poverty: This ideology aims to eradicate the concept of a “lower class” by ensuring that all citizens are inherently part of the middle class.
Collective Ownership: The nation’s material wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even collective karma are shared among all its people. This means that individual success contributes to the collective good, and collective support helps individuals overcome challenges.
A Global Hub: A nation built on these principles would become a beacon of hope and a cultural center, attracting people from all over the world to witness its unique model of shared prosperity.

This excerpt is from a lecture by Huh Kyung-young, a South Korean politician known for his unconventional policies. In this lecture, he discusses his proposals for “Public Dating, Public Marriage, and Public Childbirth Systems” and his vision of “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.” the government should actively intervene in these areas to address the nation’s declining birthrate and economic inequality, presenting his unique perspective on societal problems and their solutions.

The Crisis of Low Birthrate and the Government’s Role

The Alarming Decline in Birthrate and Ineffective Government Spending
Huh Kyung-young highlights the severe drop in South Korea’s birthrate, noting that it plummeted from 400,000 to 270,000 births in just two and a half years under the current administration. He criticizes the government for spending trillions of won on birthrate policies without tangible results, suggesting that direct financial incentives to new parents would be more effective. This critique underscores his belief that current policies are misdirected and fail to address the core issues.

문재인 대통령이 대통령이 됐을 때 우리나라 출산이 40만 명이면 2년 반 지나서 27만 명으로 줄었죠. 그치? 출산율이 엄청 줄었어요. 그 출산이 이렇게 급격히 하향한다고 신문 해야죠.
When President Moon Jae-in became president, our country’s birthrate was 400,000, and it dropped to 270,000 in two and a half years. The birthrate decreased dramatically. Newspapers should report that the birthrate is declining so rapidly.

출산은 이만큼 줄었는데 노인 인구는 늘어났다. 이래도 되지만 또 하나 먹어요. 뭐가 늘어났죠? 출산 예산이요. 맞아요. 출산 예산은 계속 상승해 가고 있어. 그 예산 누가 쓰냐? 공무원들이 뭐 출산이 연구한다고 따따 갖다 10년에 몇 백조를 써. 1년에 20조를 쓴다.
While births have decreased this much, the elderly population has increased. That’s one thing, but there’s another. What has increased? The birthrate budget. The birthrate budget continues to rise. Who uses that budget? Public officials spend hundreds of trillions over 10 years, 20 trillion a year, supposedly researching childbirth.

나는 전국 인한 합니다. 항상 대통령 등도 나는 역대 대통령을 존경하고 내가 절대 대통령 비난하지 않아요. 그런데 이즈음 사회 현상을 비난하는 거야. 사회의 현상, 출산은 세계 최저 0.7% 이게 뭡니까?
I don’t criticize the nation. I always respect past presidents and never criticize them. But I am criticizing the current social phenomenon. The social phenomenon is that the birthrate is the world’s lowest at 0.7%. What is this?

The State’s Responsibility in Marriage and Childbirth
marriage and childbirth are no longer solely individual or family matters but require active state intervention. He proposes that the government should create favorable conditions for marriage by providing good jobs and fostering a supportive environment, rather than leaving individuals to struggle. This reflects his belief in a proactive government role in citizens’ personal lives for the greater good of the nation.

결혼, 출산 이것은 연애는 공영제로 해야 된다. 국가가 개입해야 되는가? 개인들이 애들 결혼하러 마라. 이거 개인들의 능력의 벗어나 있다. 국가가 좋은 직장 만들어줘야, 국가가 결혼할 수 있는 여건을 만들어야 될.
Marriage and childbirth, even dating, should be public services. Should the state intervene? Individuals telling their children to marry or not is beyond their individual capacity. The state must create good jobs and conditions for marriage.

국가가 결혼 분위기를 만들어 줄 책임이 있어요. 개인에게 뭐 안 돼.
The state has a responsibility to create a marriage-friendly atmosphere. It cannot be left solely to individuals.

Huh Kyung-young’s “Public Systems” and Economic Philosophy

Public Dating, Marriage, and Childbirth Systems
Huh Kyung-young introduces his “Public Dating, Public Marriage, and Public Childbirth Systems” as a comprehensive solution to the demographic crisis. He envisions a system where the government facilitates dating opportunities and provides financial incentives for marriage and childbirth. This radical approach aims to integrate personal life choices into a national strategy for societal well-being.

허경영의 연애 공영제, 연애를 하는데, 이 연애 자체를 공영제로 한다. 연애, 만남을 공영제로 한다. 출산을 공영제로 한다. 결혼을 공영적으로 한다.
Huh Kyung-young’s Public Dating System means dating itself is a public service. Dating and meetings are public services. Childbirth is a public service. Marriage is a public service.

어, 결혼도 00제로 해야 된다. 그러니까 이 연애와 출산 다음에 반드시 결혼도 공영제를 해야 되는데, 지금은 연애 00제가 지금 내가 지금 이야기하려고 하는 거죠.
Marriage should also be a public service. after dating and childbirth, marriage must also be a public service, and I am now talking about the public dating system.

그래서 연애 공영제는 뭐냐? 사람들이 궁금해 하겠죠. 연애 공영제, 뭐 하죠? 출산이 심각하죠. 이렇게 심각하기 때문에 연애 5회 줄 아는.
what is the Public Dating System? People must be curious. What does the Public Dating System do? The birthrate crisis is severe. Because it’s so severe, we need to know how to reduce dating five times.

The “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.” and Shareholder Dividends
Huh Kyung-young proposes transforming South Korea into “Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.,” where every citizen is a shareholder entitled to a monthly dividend. This “National Dividend System” would provide a basic income of 1.5 million won (and potentially up to 2 million won) to all citizens from age 18 until death, ensuring a middle-class standard of living. He explicitly rejects the concept of “basic income” as charity, asserting that his proposal is a right for citizens as shareholders of the nation.

혼 국가는 대한민국은 주식에서 대한민국이에요.
The nation, the Republic of Korea, is a stock company, the Republic of Korea Co., Ltd.

대한민국 국민을 누구라, 150만 18세부터 6월 때까지 150만원의 생활비를 받는 대한민국 추세에서 대한민국의 주제로서 중산층 이상의 생활을 보장한다.
All citizens of the Republic of Korea, as shareholders of the Republic of Korea, will receive a monthly living allowance of 1.5 million won from age 18 until death, guaranteeing a middle-class standard of living or higher.

국민 배당금을 준다고. 그러면 이 국민 배당금이 매월 150만이야.
I will give a national dividend. This national dividend is 1.5 million won per month.

국민 배당금 이게 있게 되면은 우리가 뭐 때문에 빚을 gn 그래요. 안 그래요. 우리 국민은 취지 회사 대한민국의 주주야. 이 주주는 배당금을 받아.
If we have this national dividend, why would we incur debt? Our citizens are shareholders of the Republic of Korea Co., Ltd. These shareholders receive dividends.

기본소득을 국민은 거지가 아니에요. 기본소득을 왜 국가가 기본소득을 줘? 자본주의 국가에서 자기가 기본소득이 있고 세금을 냈는데.
Citizens are not beggars for basic income. Why would the state give basic income? In a capitalist country, people have their own basic income and pay taxes.

The Philosophy of Shared Responsibility and Collective Well-being

Rejecting Individual Blame and Embracing Collective Responsibility
societal problems like the low birthrate are not individual failures but a collective responsibility. He criticizes the tendency to blame individuals for their circumstances, advocating for a system where the state actively supports its citizens. This perspective highlights his belief in a society where everyone shares in both successes and failures.

바로 여러분들 국민 여러분들의 어리석어서 일은 이런 비극을 자초하고 있는 거예요.
It is precisely your foolishness, citizens, that is bringing about such tragedies.

그래서 우리는 공영제와 공동체를 명심해야 돼.
Therefore, we must keep in mind the public system and community.

이렇게 우리가 00제를 활용해야 될 때가 왔다.
The time has come for us to utilize this public system.

The Interconnectedness of Wealth, Wisdom, and Virtue
Huh Kyung-young posits that wealth, wisdom, blessings, and virtue are all communal assets. no individual truly owns these entirely, and therefore, one should not criticize others’ misfortunes or envy their successes. This philosophical stance underpins his vision of a “public system” where collective well-being is prioritized over individualistic pursuits.

재물, 물질과 지혜와 복과 뜨거운 전부가 다 고영재란 걸 명심해 대해.
Remember that wealth, material possessions, wisdom, blessings, and passion are all public assets.

죄도 0.001%가 되고 복도 공동 지분이 되는 거예요. 그 다음에 덕도 공동 지분이 되지.
Even sin becomes 0.001% shared, and blessings become a common share. Then, virtue also becomes a common share.

what is the primary reason for the declining birthrate in South Korea?

① Lack of educational opportunities
② High cost of living and housing
③ Government’s neglect of individual family issues
④ Insufficient public infrastructure for childcare

(③ Government’s neglect of individual family issues, the government’s failure to intervene and support individuals in matters of marriage and childbirth, treating them solely as private family concerns, is the main cause of the low birthrate. A common misconception is that economic factors are the sole drivers, governmental responsibility beyond just financial aid.)

True or False: He believes that the current low birthrate in South Korea is a minor issue that will resolve itself over time.
(False, He explicitly states that if the government leaves the issue of marriage and childbirth to individual families, the country will “perish” (망해요), indicating it is a severe and urgent problem. A common misconception might be to underestimate the severity of demographic shifts, but Mr. Huh highlights it as a national crisis.)

What is one of the “3-3 policies” mentioned by Mr. Huh that aims to alleviate economic hardship for all social classes?
① Universal healthcare expansion
② National dividend system
③ Free public education
④ Affordable housing initiatives

(② National dividend system, He mentions the “National Dividend System” (국민 배당금 제도) as a key policy to ensure a basic income for all citizens, thereby lifting them out of economic hardship. A common misconception might be to confuse this with general welfare programs, but Mr. Huh frames it as a right for citizens as “shareholders” of the nation.)

what is the proposed monthly “dating expense” (연애 비용) to be provided to single individuals aged 20 and above under the “Dating Public System”?
① 100,000 won
② 150,000 won
③ 200,000 won
④ 300,000 won

(③ 200,000 won, single individuals aged 20 and above would receive 200,000 won monthly as dating expenses. A common misconception might be that this is a one-time payment, but it is described as a monthly allowance.)

What is His proposed solution for the declining marriage and birth rates, which he refers to as “공영제” (gong-yeong-je)?
① Encouraging individual responsibility
② Implementing a system where the state and individuals collaborate
③ Relying solely on private sector initiatives
④ Promoting international marriages

(② Implementing a system where the state and individuals collaborate, He defines “공영제” (gong-yeong-je) as a system where the state and individuals work together to address issues like dating, marriage, and childbirth. A common misconception is that “public” implies complete state control, a collaborative approach.)

Intermediate
He criticizes the current government’s approach to the declining birthrate. What specific trend does he highlight regarding birthrate and related budget allocation?
① Both birthrate and budget are decreasing.
② Birthrate is decreasing, but the budget for birthrate initiatives is increasing.
③ Birthrate is increasing, but the budget for birthrate initiatives is decreasing.
④ Both birthrate and budget are increasing.

(② Birthrate is decreasing, but the budget for birthrate initiatives is increasing., He points out the paradox that while the birthrate has drastically fallen (from 400,000 to 270,000 in 2.5 years), the budget allocated for birthrate initiatives has continuously risen, suggesting inefficiency. A common misconception is that increased spending automatically leads to improved outcomes, but Mr. Huh highlights a disconnect.)

True or False: He suggests that the current low birthrate in South Korea is leading to a demographic crisis where the nation is projected to disappear in a few decades.
(True, He explicitly states that “world demographers say that Korea is the first country to disappear in a few decades.” This highlights the severe demographic crisis. A common misconception might be to view this as hyperbole, but Mr. Huh presents it as a serious academic projection.)

What is His criticism of “basic income” (기본소득) compared to his proposed “national dividend” (국민 배당금)?
① Basic income is too generous, while national dividend is more realistic.
② Basic income treats citizens as beggars, whereas national dividend is a right for shareholders.
③ Basic income is a private matter, while national dividend is a public one.
④ Basic income is only for the poor, while national dividend is for everyone.

(② Basic income treats citizens as beggars, whereas national dividend is a right for shareholders., “basic income” treats citizens as “beggars” (거지) or objects of “sympathy” (동정), implying it’s a handout. In contrast, he frames “national dividend” as a “right” (권리) for citizens as “shareholders” (주주) of “Company Republic of Korea.” A common misconception is that basic income and national dividend are interchangeable, but Mr. Huh differentiates them based on the underlying philosophy of citizen entitlement.)

Describe the proposed “Dating Public System” (연애 공영제) and how it aims to facilitate relationships.
(The “Dating Public System” involves the government providing 200,000 won monthly as dating expenses to single individuals aged 20 and above. These funds are distributed at local government offices, where events, meals, and drinks are provided. The events include activities like games and raffles to encourage interaction among single men and women, who are also categorized by profession (e.g., doctor, lawyer, civil servant) to help them find suitable partners. The goal is to create a public platform for dating, addressing the issue of individuals struggling to find partners on their own. A common misconception is that this is merely financial aid; however, it’s a comprehensive system designed to actively foster social interaction and matchmaking.)

Explain His concept of “공영” (gong-yeong) in the context of national governance and individual well-being.
(He defines “공영” (gong-yeong) as a system where the state and individuals collaborate. He applies this to various aspects like dating, marriage, and childbirth, arguing that these are not solely private matters but require state intervention and support. He also extends this concept to “공존 공영” (coexistence and co-prosperity), where everyone shares in the nation’s wealth, wisdom, blessings, and even responsibilities for societal issues. This implies a collective ownership and shared destiny, moving beyond individualistic approaches. A common misconception is that “public” means the state takes over everything; instead, it’s about shared responsibility and mutual benefit.)

Advanced
He mentions “국민의 7대 권리” (7 major rights of the people) and “자본주의 3대 원칙” (3 major principles of capitalism). How does he argue that current policies, specifically property taxes (보유세/재산세), violate these fundamental rights and principles?
( property taxes (보유세/재산세) violate the “소유권 절대 원칙” (absolute principle of ownership) under capitalism and the “소유권” (right to ownership) among the 7 major rights of the people. taxes should only be levied on commercial transactions (상거래) when buying or selling, not on simply owning property. He views taxing existing property as an infringement on the fundamental right to own something without further taxation, effectively undermining the very principle of absolute ownership. A common misconception is that property taxes are a legitimate form of taxation without considering their impact on fundamental rights.)

True or False: the current political system in South Korea is intentionally designed by “smart people” (머리 좋은 놈들) to create a “rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer” (부익부 빈익빈) society.
(True, “smart people” (국회의원들, literally “National Assembly members”) create laws that, whether intentionally or not (미필적 고의), lead to a “rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer” outcome, effectively deceiving the public. He views this as a systemic issue where the political class, despite knowing the consequences, passes laws that exacerbate inequality. A common misconception might be to attribute such outcomes to mere incompetence, but Mr. Huh suggests a more deliberate, albeit indirect, mechanism.)

He draws a historical analogy between the “공영” (gong-yeong) concept and the relationship between King Jeongjong and King Taejong during the Joseon Dynasty. Explain this analogy and its relevance to his political philosophy.
(He uses the story of King Jeongjong abdicating the throne to his younger brother, King Taejong, as an example of “공영” (gong-yeong). Jeongjong chose to become a “상왕” (retired king) and let Taejong rule, thereby ending internal conflict and allowing for shared governance and prosperity. He applies this to modern society, suggesting that the government (like Taejong) and the people (like Jeongjong, who “yielded” power) should cooperate in a “공존 공영” (coexistence and co-prosperity) manner. This means the government should not solely control national affairs but share responsibility and benefits with the citizens, especially in areas like dating, marriage, and childbirth, to ensure collective well-being. The analogy highlights the idea of shared leadership and mutual benefit over absolute power. A common misconception is that historical anecdotes are merely illustrative; here, it serves as a foundational principle for his governance model.)

How does Mr. Huh connect the concept of “공동 지분” (common share/stake) to human virtues and vices like wealth, wisdom, blessings, virtue, and even sin?
( wealth, wisdom, blessings, virtue, and even sin are not solely individual possessions but are part of a “공동 지분” (common share) of humanity. He illustrates this by saying that if a murderer appears, everyone shares a tiny fraction of that sin, and if someone achieves great virtue, everyone shares in that virtue. This philosophical stance implies that humans are interconnected, and individual actions, whether good or bad, have a collective impact. Therefore, one should not envy others’ success or harshly condemn others’ failures, as everyone is part of a larger “community” (공동체). This concept challenges individualistic notions of responsibility and achievement, promoting empathy and collective accountability. A common misconception is that moral responsibility is purely individual; Mr. Huh introduces a shared, communal aspect.)

Huh Kyung-young’s Public Love, Public Marriage, Public Childbirth Systems, and “Stock Company Republic of Korea”

1. Keyword Frequency
   국가 (nation/state): 10
   공영제 (public system): 9
   결혼 (marriage): 8
   국민 (citizen/people): 8
   출산 (childbirth): 7
   돈 (money): 6
   사회 (society): 5
   부모 (parents): 5
   시스템 (system): 5
   권리 (rights): 4

2. Today’s Central Metaphor
   He uses the historical analogy of King Jeongjong yielding the throne to King Taejong to illustrate the concept of a “public system” (gongyeongje), where individuals and the state cooperate for mutual benefit rather than competing.

3. Lecture in Numbers
   1265th lecture: This is the 1265th Saturday lecture by Huh Kyung-young.
   30 years ago: Huh Kyung-young claims to have advocated for the “3-3 policy” to alleviate poverty for 30 years.
   400,000 births: The number of births in Korea when President Moon Jae-in took office.
   270,000 births: The number of births in Korea two and a half years after President Moon Jae-in took office, indicating a significant decrease.
   3 years: The period over which the birth rate dramatically decreased from 400,000 to 270,000.
   20 trillion won: The annual budget spent on childbirth-related initiatives by the government.
   100 million won: The amount suggested to be given to individuals for childbirth, implying that the 20 trillion won budget could cover this if managed differently.
   0.7%: The current birth rate in Korea, described as the world’s lowest.
   100 million won for marriage: The amount suggested to be given to individuals upon marriage.
   200-300 million won for housing: The amount suggested for housing funds.
   200,000 won per month: The proposed monthly allowance for singles aged 18 and above as “dating expenses” until marriage.
   50 million won for childbirth: The proposed amount to be given for childbirth.
   300 million won for marriage: The proposed amount to be given upon marriage.
   150,000 won per month: The proposed monthly National Dividend for all citizens aged 18 and above.
   7000 trillion won: The estimated total wealth of the Republic of Korea.
   1.1%: The suggested annual dividend rate from the national wealth.
   1.4 billion won: The approximate share of national wealth per citizen (7000 trillion won / 50 million people).
   14 million won: The annual dividend per person if 1% of the national wealth (1.4 billion won per person) is distributed.
   150-200 million won: The minimum and maximum range for the monthly National Dividend, depending on budget savings.
   45 billion won: The amount of national bankruptcy investment funds, which could have been used to prevent tragedies like the Songpa three-mother-and-daughter suicide.

4. Signature Sentence
   “이 국민의 권리를 침해할 건가? 이 국민의 권리.” (Will you infringe upon the rights of these citizens? These are the rights of the citizens.)

5. Concise Summary & Highlights
   Huh Kyung-young proposes public systems for dating, marriage, and childbirth, alongside a National Dividend, to address Korea’s declining birth rate and economic inequality.

The current system, where individuals are solely responsible for marriage and childbirth, is failing, leading to a drastic drop in birth rates.
Government spending on childbirth initiatives is inefficient, with large budgets yielding poor results.
The state has a responsibility to create conditions conducive to marriage and family formation, not leave it solely to individuals.
The proposed “Public Dating System” would provide monthly allowances and organized meeting opportunities for singles.
The “Public Marriage System” and “Public Childbirth System” would offer significant financial incentives (e.g., 300 million won for marriage, 50 million won for childbirth).
The “National Dividend System” would provide a monthly income of 1.5 to 2 million won to all citizens from age 18, ensuring a middle-class standard of living.
Current government policies are criticized for creating wealth disparity and infringing upon citizens’ fundamental rights, such as property rights through taxes like property tax.
He advocates for a “coexistence and co-prosperity” (gongjon gongyeong) philosophy, where all citizens share in the nation’s wealth and responsibilities.

6. Scriptural / Religious Citations
   Reference: The Bible (implicitly, the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman)
   Quoted Passage: “너희 중에 죄 없는 자가 혹시 있냐? 고쳐 봐라.” (Is there anyone among you who is without sin? Let him cast the first stone.)

7. Historical & Epochal Context
   The lecture is situated in contemporary South Korea, characterized by:
   Declining Birth Rate: A severe and rapidly decreasing birth rate, reaching the world’s lowest at 0.7%.
   Aging Population: An increasing elderly population alongside the declining birth rate.
   Economic Inequality: A widening gap between the rich and the poor (부익부 빈익빈), where large corporations thrive while small businesses and the working class suffer.
   COVID-19 Pandemic: The ongoing pandemic exacerbates economic hardship, particularly for service industries, small business owners, and artists.
   National Identity Crisis: A concern that Korea, once a “land of Eastern courtesy,” is becoming a nation that will disappear first globally due to its demographic crisis.

8. Key Figures & Events Referenced
   Moon Jae-in: Mentioned as the president during whose term the birth rate significantly declined.
   King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye): The founder of the Joseon Dynasty, known for his archery skills and his conflict with his son, Taejong.
   King Jeongjong: The second king of Joseon, who yielded the throne to his younger brother, Taejong. Portrayed as a figure who understood “co-prosperity.”
   King Taejong (Yi Bang-won): The third king of Joseon, known for his ambition and for killing his brothers to secure the throne. His conflict with his father, Taejo, is highlighted.
   Haneungchasa (함흥차사): A historical anecdote referring to messengers sent to King Taejo in Hamheung who never returned, symbolizing a mission from which one never returns. This event is linked to Taejo’s anger at Taejong.
   Hwang Hui (황희 정승): A renowned prime minister during King Sejong’s reign, known for his wisdom and long service. Mentioned as an example of a wise leader lacking in modern times.
   Songpa Three-Mother-and-Daughter Suicide: A tragic event where a mother and her two daughters died due to extreme poverty, used as an example of the failures of current social welfare systems.
   Jesus: Referenced in the context of the story of the adulterous woman, emphasizing shared responsibility for societal ills.