Yoon Jeong-min, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member: "Care Communities, Important Role of Local Society"

Yoon Jeong-min, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, made a five-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 320th extraordinary meeting, proposing ideas for a "Warm Care Community Seo-gu that Cares for Each Other."

He emphasized the importance of the community's role in expanding integrated care, highlighting ▲the exploration of multifaceted social services ▲personal information management ▲and communication and discussion for institutional improvements such as self-determination rights.

Councilor Yoon stated, “The 'Gwangju-style Integrated Care' policy, recently gaining attention as 'Care for Everyone,' has become a key model for the 'Act on Integrated Support for Local Care including Medical and Nursing Care,' which has passed the National Assembly plenary session. The law is scheduled to be enforced in two years, requiring local governments, including autonomous districts, to establish integrated regional plans annually. In other words, this law underscores the importance of the community's role in providing integrated support social services.”

He continued, “With social changes such as the increase in single-person households, the perception of 'care' has shifted to being a daily necessity for everyone from birth to end of life. Accordingly, there is a need to explore diverse social services tailored to different conditions and life cycles. The expansion of care recipients and social services is linked to current issues such as personal information management, prior consent, and illegal medical practices. Ultimately, continuous communication and discussion on ▲multifaceted social service exploration, ▲personal information management, and ▲self-determination rights must be maintained. I request active cooperation so that discussions by public officials and stakeholders, who are closest to the field and best understand these issues, can be appropriately reflected in effective institutional improvements.”

In conclusion, he said, “After my five-minute free speech in January (the 318th extraordinary meeting), the first full survey for elderly waste collectors was completed, and I thank the executive branch for linking and supporting related welfare services. I urge you to continue your efforts so that our district residents can live stable lives, and I hope for Seo-gu to stand tall as the 'Number One Integrated Care District.'”

Shin Dong-ho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr