A Plan to Establish a Universal Basic Safety Net Through Legislation of Proactive Citizen Safety Insurance [Legislative Policy Proposal Contest]

[Financial News] On the 6th, Kim Yong-du won the grand prize (the National Assembly Speaker’s Award) at the 2026 Legislative and Policy Proposal Contest, co-hosted by Financial News and the National Assembly Research Service. Kim proposed a plan to establish a universal basic safety net through legislation of Proactive Citizen Safety Insurance. Citizen safety insurance is currently operated by local governments across the country, but because residents must apply for it in each region, many do not receive its benefits. The proposal aims to address this problem.
Citizen safety insurance is a system that pays insurance benefits to residents who are killed or injured in disasters or accidents. Local governments pay the premiums, and all residents are enrolled. Kim points out that premiums vary by region, with differences of at least fourfold, and that many residents do not claim benefits because awareness of the insurance is low. He also said he was concerned that victims or their families have to apply first.
“Take Gimje City, for example: It has more than 80,000 enrollees, but only 38 people received insurance benefits from 2017 to 2024,” Kim said. “I was concerned that many people might be unable to apply because they are overwhelmed or lack information.”
Kim’s proposal is to elevate “Proactive Citizen Safety Insurance” to a national basic safety net. The key is for public authorities to seek out victims first. Victims or their families would be individually notified by text message, mail or other means about their coverage and how to file a claim. The proposal also makes annual disclosure mandatory for items such as premiums, which vary among local governments, so local councils and residents can review them. Under the current Commercial Act, insurance benefits cannot be paid when a child under 15 dies; the proposal also creates a legal basis for paying a consolation benefit. One advantage is that no additional funding would be needed, since the payments would come from insurance policies already in operation.
“I think I would feel proud if it were enacted and people began receiving benefits,” Kim said. “Since anyone can become a victim or a bereaved family member, I hope it will be helpful.”

[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Reporter