Governor Kim Dong-yeon Mentions Film 'Da-eum Sohee' at Department Heads Meeting, Why?

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is presiding over the department heads meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office on the 15th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, mentioned the movie 'Next Sohee,' which deals with the tragic death of a call center intern, emphasizing, "In Gyeonggi Province, we must take care of people's livelihoods so that there is no Next Sohee."

On the morning of the 15th, Governor Kim presided over the 'Weekly Department Heads Meeting' at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government multipurpose conference room and said, "In my recent policy speech at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, I announced the 2023 policy direction, stating that we will take care of people's livelihoods through heating cost support, freezing bus fares, revitalizing local currency, and credit support for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners."

He continued, "There is a recently released movie called 'Next Sohee,' which tells the story of the structural problems faced by our society's vulnerable groups and young people working in difficult situations," adding, "Like the movie title 'Next Sohee,' I hope we do our best to take care of people's livelihoods so that not a single Next Sohee appears in Gyeonggi Province."

Director Jung Joo-ri's film 'Next Sohee' depicts the story of Sohee, a specialized high school student who went on a field internship at a large corporation's call center before graduation, suffering verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and unfair treatment, eventually passing away. A detective investigates the full circumstances of her death, addressing structural issues in our society. The film is based on a real incident where a high school girl was found dead after five months of internship at Jeonju Reservoir in 2017.

In addition, Governor Kim called for the government's active measures on heating cost support, preparation for the future through investment attraction and RE100 (100% renewable energy use), and innovation in working methods that transcend departmental boundaries.

He stated, "The heating cost issue is not only a problem for vulnerable groups but also significantly affects the middle class, working-class, and almost the entire nation," and added, "Once again, I take this opportunity to urge the central government to take broader and more proactive, progressive measures to support heating costs."

Earlier that morning, in a radio interview, Governor Kim also said, "Many people are suffering due to the rise in heating costs amid the current economic downturn in Gyeonggi Province," and argued, "The government, which is in a relatively good position, should increase and expand support through a more bold fiscal role."