Oh Se-hoon "Child Abuse, a Shameful Social Issue"... Pledge to Establish a Comprehensive Abuse Prevention Center

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party declared his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election on the morning of the 17th at Buk Seoul Dream Forest in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Oh Se-hoon, former Seoul mayor and People Power Party candidate for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, pledged on the 23rd to establish a Comprehensive Abuse Prevention Center under the Seoul Metropolitan Government to eradicate child abuse.

In a post on Facebook, former Mayor Oh referred to recent consecutive child abuse cases such as the "Jung-in case," stating, "I see this as the most shameful social problem that must be eradicated as soon as possible, and long-term comprehensive measures must be prepared simultaneously."

Regarding the repeated crimes against children despite various policy efforts to prevent child abuse, former Mayor Oh pointed out, "This is because the issue has been treated as a problem within a single family, relying on the innate duty of parents or their character, and focusing only on strengthening legal punishment."

He added, "I will create a Seoul where children do not suffer from abuse or are driven to death by establishing a Comprehensive Abuse Prevention Center that can diagnose and systematically respond to issues such as child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence."

Former Mayor Oh also emphasized, "A childcare system that can alleviate parenting stress and economic burdens must be prepared simultaneously," and pledged to expand support such as public childcare facilities, 24/7 childcare services, and free preventive vaccinations for infants and toddlers, which he promoted during his previous term.