SEOUL -- South Korea on Thursday drafted a fourth supplementary budget worth 7.8 trillion won ($6.57 billion) to provide financial support for businesses hit by government efforts to curb a recent resurgence in coronavirus cases.
About half the budget has been earmarked for cash payments of up to 2 million won, or about $1,700, to each of 2.91 million small businesses and self-employed workers. The remainder will fund support for freelancers having trouble making ends meet, as well as expanded child care assistance covering elementary school-age children. The government aims to begin payments this month.
