Legal Basis Established for Administrative Dong 'Tongjang'... Local Autonomy Act Amendment Passed

A Turning Point in the Development of the Lee-Tongjang System

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 13th that, following the resolution of the 'Partial Amendment to the Local Autonomy Act' at the Cabinet meeting, it will establish a legal basis for the ‘Tong (統)’ installed in administrative districts.

As of the end of last year, there are 37,721 ‘Ri (里)’ and 62,119 ‘Tong (統)’ operating nationwide. However, the existing Local Autonomy Act only regulates the ‘Ri (里)’ installed in eup and myeon, so this amendment clearly defines the legal basis for the ‘Tong (統)’, which has been operated under local government ordinances until now.

The amended Local Autonomy Act is scheduled to take effect six months after its promulgation. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to revise the Enforcement Decree of the Local Autonomy Act, which currently only specifies the basis for ‘Ijang’, to also establish the basis for ‘Tongjang’ in line with the law’s enforcement date.

Currently, over 97,000 Ijang and Tongjang nationwide serve as volunteers and leaders at the forefront of administration in their communities, performing various tasks such as guiding eup, myeon, and dong projects, distributing various notices and announcements, and collecting residents’ suggestions. They also contribute to disaster safety and welfare by inspecting disaster facilities, identifying low-income households, and supporting vulnerable families.

In particular, during the recent COVID-19 situation, they have taken the lead in pandemic prevention activities such as distributing masks and guiding applications for disaster relief funds. Regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 75 and older, which began on the 1st, nationwide Ijang and Tongjang support the elderly by collecting consent forms and providing guidance on vaccination appointment registration during the vaccination process.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to explore the development direction of the Ijang and Tongjang system in connection with changes in eup, myeon, and dong functions, considering recent administrative demands such as the expansion of non-face-to-face work methods and increased welfare needs due to low birth rates and aging population.

Minister Jeon Hae-cheol expressed, “I deeply thank all the Ijang and Tongjang nationwide who quietly work at the forefront of administration during the ongoing COVID-19 situation,” and added, “I hope that this amendment to the Local Autonomy Act will serve as an opportunity for the Ijang and Tongjang system, which acts as a bridge between eup, myeon, dong, and local residents, to further develop according to the conditions of local governments.”