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Jan. 28 (Asia Today) — Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea’s People Power Party, sharply criticized the government’s consumption coupon policy Wednesday, arguing that cash handouts during a period of high inflation are worsening the strain on household finances.

Jang made the remarks during his first official appearance since ending a hunger strike, beginning with a price inspection at a retail site. Speaking at a field meeting held at the comprehensive situation room of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation in Seoul’s Seocho district, he said excessive cash injections were one factor driving prices higher.

“Flooding the market with cash coupons, even as prices threaten the daily lives of ordinary citizens, is like giving only sugar water to a diabetic,” Jang said. “Ordinary people find happiness in ordinary meals. High prices destroy that everyday life. Ultimately, inflation is the root of many problems.”

He urged the government to prioritize price stability, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, and to focus on stabilizing supply and demand. “We will find answers on the ground where people live and work and bring them back to the National Assembly to shape policy,” he said.

Jang’s decision to start his schedule with a grassroots visit just two days after leaving the hospital was widely seen as an effort to underscore concern for household conditions amid volatility in exchange rates and prices.

Political observers expect Jang to step up criticism of the economic policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration. The People Power Party has argued that recent gains touted by the government, including record highs in stock indexes, have been driven largely by a semiconductor boom and have not eased the economic burden on ordinary households.

Party officials say the strategy is aimed at reframing the economic debate by emphasizing livelihoods and cost-of-living issues, while holding the government responsible for inflationary pressures. The push also comes ahead of the June 3 local elections, as the opposition seeks to broaden its appeal beyond its core supporters.

The People Power Party is considering launching a dedicated review body on livelihoods and the economy to scrutinize recent conditions and prepare alternative policy pledges. Party leaders say the goal is to strengthen its image as a party focused on price stability and support for small businesses and the self-employed.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260129010013249