Seoul: The National Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of 13.8 trillion won (US$9.6 billion) aimed at aiding disaster response initiatives and stimulating economic growth. The decision was made during a plenary session where the Democratic Party (DP) and the People Power Party (PPP) agreed to enhance the government's original proposal by 1.6 trillion won.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the extra budget includes a provision of 400 billion won for local currency vouchers, a significant decrease from the 1 trillion won initially advocated by the DP to support small merchants and self-employed individuals. Additionally, 170 billion won has been allocated for discounts on agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products to help stabilize market prices. The budget for university scholarships has also seen an increase of 115.7 billion won.

In anticipation of the summer season, 30 billion won has been designated for flood prevention initiatives. The budget also reinstates previously cut funds for special activity expenses for the prosecution and the state audit agency.