The Lee Myung-bak administration advocated “active welfare,” which aimed
for “welfare through work.” Active welfare is a market-friendly welfare system
that tries to transfer welfare beneficiaries or pre-beneficiaries to the labor market.
Kim (2011) described the characteristics of active welfare as a liberalistic welfare
system that raises social productivity rather than a consumption-centered or
passive welfare system. For example, the Sunshine Loan Program and the Smile
Microcredit Program increase self-reliance among the poor by providing loans,
not cash. Bogeumjari housing supports people in buying their own house through
long-term savings, not just providing public rental houses. Thus, the objectives of
the “active welfare state” are similar to those of “inclusive growth,” which seeks
both equity promotion and economic growth.