Preliminary Candidate Choi Young-ho's Listening Tour on Elderly and Disability Issues

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Choi Young-ho, a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea in Dongnam-gap, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is conducting a listening tour to discuss with experts and stakeholders, seeking policy directions and alternatives. On the 20th, following youth debt, women's career discontinuity, and childcare issues, he held the third listening tour on the theme of "Elderly and Disabled Issues."

Lee Hwa-young, chairperson of the Dongnam District branch of the National Parents' Association for the Disabled in Gwangju, who participated as a discussant in the tour, expressed her feelings as a parent of a son with developmental disabilities, saying, "The difficulties faced by disabled people cannot be fully expressed in words, but I hope society becomes one where even if they live just one day, they are respected and can live a dignified life."

Dr. Lee Mi-kyung, a public health expert, said, "These days, opportunities for children and adults to meet are few, but I hope disabled people are regarded as close neighbors, citizens, and friends, and that we become a society pursuing happiness together."

Kim Dong-heon, former secretary-general of the Gwangju Economic Justice Network, said, "The best welfare is jobs," adding, "It is important for the elderly and disabled to secure an economic foundation through stable jobs that meet their conditions."

Preliminary candidate Choi Young-ho stated, "In 2020, the number of jobs for the elderly increased from 640,000 to 740,000, an additional 100,000 jobs, and the basic pension for the elderly will also be expanded," adding, "It would be good if local governments take an interest and actively promote these efforts."

He also said, "We will seek solutions to employment for disabled people past school age and issues related to the developmental disability day activity service system, including space and time restrictions," adding, "The episode 'I Want to Know About Elderly and Disabled Issues' will be released on the YouTube channel Choi Young-ho TV on the morning of the 24th."