Na Kyung-won "Immediate Separation of Victimized Children, Expansion of Facilities"
Oh Se-hoon "Support for Child and Adolescent Counseling Fees"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Ahead of the public opinion survey to select the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, candidates Na Kyung-won and Oh Se-hoon have presented pledges related to public welfare, including promises to protect children and adolescents, as they make a final push to win votes. They expressed their determination as Seoul mayoral candidates to address recent socially shocking issues such as child abuse and school violence.
On the 27th, candidate Na announced a pledge to prevent child abuse, promising to "eradicate child abuse without fail." Na said, "As we have encountered several recent child abuse cases, the hearts of our people have also been wounded," adding, "We must rescue abused children who cannot even appeal for help in the invisible darkness."
As a specific plan, Na proposed establishing the 'Seoul Child Happiness Guardians' and ensuring that each autonomous district has at least one child facility capable of 'immediate separation' and protection of abused children. The plan also includes strengthening counseling and treatment such as psychological and medical care for abused children and conducting home return reviews by the district child abuse eradication committees.
Additionally, Na suggested enhancing monitoring of childcare facilities and establishing a system for sharing abuse records among the police, district offices, and hospitals.
Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for the Seoul mayoral primary, visited the Blue Tree Foundation, a youth non-governmental organization (NGO) located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 27th. Photo by Oh Se-hoon Camp
Candidate Oh expressed his commitment to preventing 'school violence,' which has recently become a social issue. He visited the Blue Tree Foundation, a youth NGO located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Oh held a meeting with Secretary-General Lee Jong-ik and Center Director Park Joo-han to gather requests related to school violence. He said, "Not only the central government but also Seoul City needs to take a more active role in minimizing school violence," promising, "If elected as Seoul mayor, I will visit first and carefully discuss and find ways to implement the requests made today."
After finishing his schedule, Oh posted on Facebook, saying, "School violence is a 'crime' involving victims and perpetrators," adding, "It is a problem for all of our society that anyone, including my children, nephews, or neighbors' children, can experience."
He continued, "I intend to guarantee schools that are safe from school violence and where students can study with peace of mind."
Oh pledged to double the number of child and adolescent counseling centers and significantly reduce the waiting time for children who need counseling after emotional-behavioral and aptitude tests. He also said he would support half of the counseling fees at private counseling centers and reduce the burden caused by non-coverage under health insurance.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
