"Damage Snowballing"... Jongno-gu Seeks Support Measures for Merchants and Residents Near Constitutional Court

Considering Interest Support and Tax Deferral
District Mayor: "Will Request Additional Support from Relevant Departments"

Jongno-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) is taking measures to provide relief for merchants, residents, and students around the Constitutional Court area.

Due to the blockage of major access roads caused by pro and anti-impeachment rallies for President Yoon Seok-yeol and their aftermath, there has been a sharp decline in tourists and severe noise issues, resulting in business losses for merchants, infringement on residents' right to live peacefully, students' right to study, and safety concerns.

Police buses and barricades have been installed near the Constitutional Court in Seoul on the 2nd, two days before the impeachment ruling of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News.

Jongno-gu is considering practical support measures for small business owners near the Constitutional Court. According to the district, sales at stores near the Constitutional Court in March this year decreased by 50-80% compared to the same period last year, and some stores are considering closing down.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, Jongno-gu plans to prioritize part of the loan funds in the second half of the year to support merchants around the Constitutional Court who have experienced sales declines through the 'Small Business Interest Support Project' and plans to defer national and local taxes. Additionally, the district will implement the 'Small Business Safe Interest Support System,' which provides loans with an interest rate of 2% up to 100 million KRW per business to small enterprises and merchants lacking collateral.

A meeting will also be held to prevent recurrence of damages to residents, students, and merchants and to listen to their grievances.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “We cannot overlook the damages caused to merchants, residents, and students by increasingly radical protests,” adding, “Just as the freedom of assembly must be guaranteed, so too must the residents' right to live peacefully, students' right to study, and merchants' right to conduct business.” Mayor Jeong also said, “I will continue to review effective support measures for damage compensation in meetings with merchants next week,” and “We plan to request additional support from relevant government departments.”