**South Korea Offers Cash to Foreign Residents in Landmark Relief Move**

Some foreign residents in South Korea will receive government cash payments this month. The move is part of a new budget plan to help with high fuel costs. The payments range from 100,000 won (US$67) to 600,000 won. They are linked to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has raised global oil prices. South Korea's Interior Ministry announced the policy on Sunday. It said foreign nationals were initially excluded from the subsidy program. However, an exception was made. Foreigners with "close ties" to South Korean citizens will now be eligible. The ministry did not give exact details on how "close ties" will be defined. The funds are scheduled for distribution in late April.