[Rural and Fisheries News=Reporter Park Nara] The governor of South Chungcheong Province, Kim Tae-heum, has taken a fundamentally opposing stance to the government's pilot project for a basic income in rural and fishing villages. However, as some counties within the province wish to participate, the province has a conditional policy to continue separate discussions with the respective counties if they are finally selected in the bidding. Governor Kim Tae-heum held a press conference at the provincial government office on the 1st, stating, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to push forward the pilot project for a basic income in rural and fishing villages with a funding structure of 40% national funds and 60% local funds, which would require an additional 115.7 billion won in provincial funds annually from South Chungcheong alone." He added, "From the perspective of fiscal soundness, it is difficult for the province to afford."