Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung will review government policies that may disadvantage young married couples.
- Concerns exist that combining income and assets can negatively impact loan and welfare benefit eligibility.
- Lee stated that marriage should be a hopeful new beginning, not a burden.
- The government will examine measures to ease eligibility for special housing programs for newlyweds.
- A previous order in February directed officials to review such disadvantageous policies.
President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to review government policies that may discourage young couples from registering their marriages by creating financial disadvantages. Concerns have been raised that combining incomes and assets for married couples can negatively affect their eligibility for housing loans, government programs, and welfare benefits, potentially leading some to delay or avoid formalizing their unions.
In a post on X, Lee stated, "Young people should never be discouraged from getting married because of government policies." He announced an order for a comprehensive review of any disadvantages faced by married couples, emphasizing that the government's duty is to ensure marriage is viewed as a hopeful new beginning. The administration will thoroughly examine proposed measures, including potentially easing eligibility requirements for special housing supply programs targeted at newlyweds.