Kim Jong-in: "The State Has Become Responsible for the Retirement of Athletes"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, attended the Adoption Family Grand Debate for the 21st National Assembly Adoption Policy held at the National Assembly on the 14th, greeting Kim Mi-ae of the United Future Party and Cho O-seop of the Democratic Party of Korea, who hosted the event. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, stated, "It has become a national responsibility to determine how to financially support athletes after retirement and how to manage their old age."

Chairman Kim attended the 'Athlete Welfare Act' public hearing hosted by the party's Policy Committee at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 15th and said, "When athletes leave active competition and can no longer participate in sports, they inevitably have to worry about their livelihood."

He added, "The moment athletes are exercising is the most enjoyable, and winning medals at international competitions brings joy and serves as a catalyst for the public in many ways. However, after retirement, they face the challenge of properly adapting to society. To address this, education applicable to daily life is necessary, and it is important to consider how to financially assist these individuals and manage their old age."

Chairman Kim said, "As we overcome the coronavirus, our country is experiencing a widening gap in polarization, even greater than what occurred after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis," and added, "Although legislation for our country's athletes has been attempted, proper measures have not been adequately prepared."