By Jane Han
NEW YORK ― Last week, the talk of town among Korean parents in the United States. was all about getting free childcare money from the Korean government. Yes, free money. That is enough to get moms and dads on a budget to go wild over.
Starting this year, the Korean government began offering a monthly allowance of up to 200,000 won ($179.17) to all households, regardless of income level, with children up to 5 years old.
This is old news. The new news is that even Koreans living overseas can benefit from the welfare program as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Unfortunately, this new information surfaced in bits and pieces online ― some clashing with others ― over a course of several days, which quickly stirred up major confusion among eager Korean parents who can always use a little extra cash.
To be honest, I must say I was also a bit excited myself. I'm expecting twins in just a few short months, so that's an easy 400,000 won a month for me. That's not pocket change.
The expanded program accepts applicants as long as one parent is a Korean national with a valid resident registration number, so many Korean couples living in the U.S., including myself, can take advantage of the subsidy.
But there's one catch ― children must have a Korean resident registration number issued on Korean soil. So if a child was born in the U.S. and received a resident registration number through the local consulate office in the U.S., he or she won't qualify.
Disappointed parents who realized they aren't eligible were quick to complain to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the consulate office, arguing that the rule isn't ''fair.'' But after regaining my senses from my initial excitement over the unexpected financial perk, I wondered what's really fair.
Should families that live abroad for an extended period of time, who don't pay Korean taxes and who may not have any intention to return to Korea be given this kind of money? Is Korea that rich? That generous?
Surprisingly, many moms voiced similar opinions in online communities, saying they won't apply for the monthly allowance even if they meet all the requirements because it's ''just not right.''
''It doesn't make sense. My daughter will probably end up living in the U.S. for good, so why should she get support from the Korean government? Just because her mom is a Korean citizen?'' wrote one apparently baffled mother on Missyusa.com, a popular site with Korean women in the U.S.
Another person wrote, ''The money should go to those who really deserve it. There have got to be more people in Korea who deserve and need the subsidy than the people living overseas.''
Interestingly, the childcare allowance issue somehow morphed into a debate between those with consciences and those without.
The sentiment against applying for the subsidy is spreading so fast that even those with every intention to receive help are keeping quiet.
It's funny how people's reactions and counteractions can move so quickly and abruptly in such a short period of time. First, it was pure excitement, then confusion, followed by resistance and then who knows what since people may say one thing and act differently just to save face.
But all of this talk and hype may end up meaningless as latest news shows that the childcare allowance budget is already going broke.
For some reason, this doesn't surprise me. The amount was just too much to go to too many people, from the start.
It's unclear how the budget will get stretched, but let's not forget the real reason behind the welfare policy ― to encourage parents to have more children in Korea.
This, once again, confirms that giving away money to overseas Koreans doesn't quite serve that exact purpose.
But it is what it is and, at least as of now, lucky moms and dads get to enjoy a little extra bonus just for being Korean citizens.
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Starting this year, the Korean government began offering a monthly allowance of up to 200,000 won ($179.17) to all households, regardless of income level, with children up to 5 years old.
This is old news. The new news is that even Koreans living overseas can benefit from the welfare program as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Unfortunately, this new information surfaced in bits and pieces online ― some clashing with others ― over a course of several days, which quickly stirred up major confusion among eager Korean parents who can always use a little extra cash.
To be honest, I must say I was also a bit excited myself. I'm expecting twins in just a few short months, so that's an easy 400,000 won a month for me. That's not pocket change.
The expanded program accepts applicants as long as one parent is a Korean national with a valid resident registration number, so many Korean couples living in the U.S., including myself, can take advantage of the subsidy.
But there's one catch ― children must have a Korean resident registration number issued on Korean soil. So if a child was born in the U.S. and received a resident registration number through the local consulate office in the U.S., he or she won't qualify.
Disappointed parents who realized they aren't eligible were quick to complain to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the consulate office, arguing that the rule isn't ''fair.'' But after regaining my senses from my initial excitement over the unexpected financial perk, I wondered what's really fair.
Should families that live abroad for an extended period of time, who don't pay Korean taxes and who may not have any intention to return to Korea be given this kind of money? Is Korea that rich? That generous?
Surprisingly, many moms voiced similar opinions in online communities, saying they won't apply for the monthly allowance even if they meet all the requirements because it's ''just not right.''
''It doesn't make sense. My daughter will probably end up living in the U.S. for good, so why should she get support from the Korean government? Just because her mom is a Korean citizen?'' wrote one apparently baffled mother on Missyusa.com, a popular site with Korean women in the U.S.
Another person wrote, ''The money should go to those who really deserve it. There have got to be more people in Korea who deserve and need the subsidy than the people living overseas.''
Interestingly, the childcare allowance issue somehow morphed into a debate between those with consciences and those without.
The sentiment against applying for the subsidy is spreading so fast that even those with every intention to receive help are keeping quiet.
It's funny how people's reactions and counteractions can move so quickly and abruptly in such a short period of time. First, it was pure excitement, then confusion, followed by resistance and then who knows what since people may say one thing and act differently just to save face.
But all of this talk and hype may end up meaningless as latest news shows that the childcare allowance budget is already going broke.
For some reason, this doesn't surprise me. The amount was just too much to go to too many people, from the start.
It's unclear how the budget will get stretched, but let's not forget the real reason behind the welfare policy ― to encourage parents to have more children in Korea.
This, once again, confirms that giving away money to overseas Koreans doesn't quite serve that exact purpose.
But it is what it is and, at least as of now, lucky moms and dads get to enjoy a little extra bonus just for being Korean citizens.
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