Gumi City Council Member Rose Kyung Jang Urges Stronger Measures Against Youth Crime and School Violence, Stresses Urgent Need for Action

Increase in Youth Public Morals and Intellectual Crimes in Gumi City
School Violence Among the Highest in the Province

On May 14, Rose Kyung Jang, a member of the Gumi City Council in Gyeongbuk (People Power Party·Seonsan·Mueul·Okseong·Dogae), strongly urged for the establishment of countermeasures against youth crime and school violence during her 5-minute free speech at the 287th temporary session’s first plenary meeting.

Gyeongbuk Gumi City Council member Rose Kyung Jang (People Power Party·Seonsan·Mueul·Okseong·Dogae) is delivering a 5-minute free speech.

Jang pointed out, "According to 2023 statistics on youth crime in the Gyeongbuk region, the rate of crimes against public morals and gambling in Gumi is the highest in the province. In addition, crimes such as theft, fraud, forgery of documents, and defamation?categorized as intellectual and other criminal offenses?have also seen a significant increase compared to the previous year."

She also expressed concern over the current state of school violence, stating, "The number of reported cases of school violence in elementary, middle, and high schools in Gumi accounts for 205 cases (19%) in elementary schools, 280 cases (22%) in middle schools, and 85 cases (13%) in high schools, compared to the total for North Gyeongsang Province." She emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the local youth safety net.

To address these issues, Jang proposed: ▲ developing region-specific crime prevention programs in collaboration with the Gumi Police Station and the Gumi Office of Education ▲ establishing actionable policies and securing the necessary budget ▲ ensuring policy effectiveness by setting performance indicators and conducting regular monitoring.

She stressed, "Adolescence is a period of rapid physical and emotional change, and the role of adults is more important than ever during this time." She emphasized that "it is the responsibility of the local community to provide a strong support system so that children can grow in the right direction."

Meanwhile, although Gumi City is currently preparing a variety of preventive activities and counseling support policies to address youth issues, the crime rate and the number of school violence cases remain high, highlighting the urgent need for effective countermeasures.