"Victims Would Not Want a Law Named After Themselves," Lee Argues
Concerns Raised Over Creating Reluctance Toward Mental Health Treatment
Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform New Party and acting party leader, along with Representative Lee Jun-seok and Policy Committee Chairman Lee Joo-young, paid tribute on the 12th at the funeral hall of Konyang University Hospital in Seo-gu, Daejeon, where the late Kim Ha-neul's memorial was held, and spoke with the bereaved family. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, criticized the political circle's acceleration of legislative discussions on the so-called 'Haneul-i Act' in relation to the recent elementary school student murder case in Daejeon, saying that "most of the focus is on excluding teachers experiencing mental health issues."
On the 16th, Lee posted on his Facebook regarding the 'Haneul-i Act' bill, expressing concern that "there is a worry it might create an atmosphere where teachers are reluctant to seek mental health treatment." He added, "The victims in heaven would not want a hastily made law named after themselves through their deaths," emphasizing, "We must coldly face the essence of the problem and prepare practical and sustainable solutions so that our society structurally becomes stronger."
Lee stated, "We are preparing a bill that recommends compulsory leave for teachers who find it difficult to perform their duties and includes fellow teachers, students, and parents in the committee that reviews the leave," arguing that "teachers who feel mental health issues might focus only on showing superficial stability and miss appropriate treatment opportunities, potentially producing more serious problems."
Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform New Party and acting party leader, is paying tribute at the funeral hall of the late Kim Ha-neul, set up at Konyang University Hospital in Seo-gu, Daejeon, on the 12th, together with Representative Lee Jun-seok and Policy Committee Chairman Lee Joo-young. Photo by Yonhap News
In particular, Lee emphasized the need to face the core issue and establish sustainable solutions. He said, "It is not even certain whether this incident is related to mental illness," and “I will not hesitate to take on the role of the first penguin who boldly raises the issue to the world and leaps toward a solution.”
He also stated, "This should be an opportunity for our society to review the previously insufficient inspection, examination, and support systems for people with mental illnesses, and to reorganize budgets and policies." Earlier, on the 13th, the Reform New Party proposed at the party level that when legislative discussions proceed in the National Assembly regarding the 'Daejeon elementary student murder case,' the use of the victim's name (Kim Haneul) in the bill title should be avoided. They also emphasized the need for careful legislation rather than rapid legislation.
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