Poetry and Support Ordinance Enacted but Budget Allocation '0 Won'
"A Mere Facade Ordinance... Please Become a 'City of Opportunity'"
Voices have emerged criticizing Gwangju City for neglecting children and adolescents facing inheritance debt crises.
On the 7th, Jeong Da-eun, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Buk-gu 2), pointed out during an administrative audit of the Gwangju City Women and Family Bureau, “It has been over three years since the 'Gwangju City Ordinance to Prevent Debt Inheritance for Children and Adolescents' was enacted, but related projects have yet to be implemented, and no budget has been allocated,” calling it a “mere nominal ordinance.”
In 2021, Gwangju City enacted the 'Gwangju City Ordinance to Prevent Debt Inheritance for Children and Adolescents,' consisting of 13 articles. This ordinance stipulates that “the Mayor of Gwangju must establish and implement legal support policies to ensure that children and adolescents do not suffer economic hardship due to inherited debts and that their rights are protected.” It also explicitly states that “legal support for children and adolescents’ inherited debts shall take precedence over other ordinances.”
Councilor Jeong criticized, “Are we only going to care for these children after they have fully inherited their parents’ debts, are unable to engage in smooth economic activities even after becoming adults, and ultimately resort to extreme measures?”
She continued, “We must no longer ignore the misfortune and suffering of these children,” urging, “Please promptly revise the ordinance and promote related projects and budget allocations so that the children of Gwangju do not have to give up their dreams due to inherited debts.”
Jeong also added, “Please strive to make Gwangju a city of dreams, hope, and opportunity for children who face the situation of parental death and debt inheritance.”
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