Revisiting the UBI Debate: Beyond or Within the Welfare State’s Regressive Selectivity?

The debate on Universal Basic Income (UBI) extends beyond income security to the transformation of the welfare state and production-distribution systems. This study examines whether UBI in South Korea will complement the existing welfare state or evolve into an alternative distributive framework. It employs three analytical perspectives: the production regime, welfare politics and power resources, and the feasibility of systemic transition. Findings suggest that UBI may conflict with South Korea’s export-led manufacturing economy, making integration with the current welfare system challenging. Additionally, the political coalition required to advance UBI remains weak, as supporters are ideologically and class-wise fragmented. Lastly, a clear transition path from partial to full UBI is necessary for systemic transformation, yet existing discussions lack such a framework. This study argues that the UBI debate must expand beyond a ‘cost-efficiency’ focus to consider production systems and welfare politics. For UBI to move beyond a supplementary welfare measure, it must engage in a strategic dialogue on systemic transition within the welfare state.