"Administrative Actions That Fail to Understand Psychological Pain Can Cause Further Harm"
Jung Daeun, Gwangju City Councilor.
Gwangju City is implementing a variety of administrative and welfare support programs for the families of the victims of the 12·29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, but there have been criticisms that these efforts are not sufficiently felt by those affected.
On June 24, Jung Daeun, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Buk-gu 2), pointed out during the supplementary budget review of the Welfare and Health Bureau, "The support provided by Gwangju City for the families of the victims of the 12·29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster is not being adequately felt on the ground, and administrative actions lacking empathy can actually cause further harm."
This supplementary budget includes 39 million won allocated for the 'Meal Support Program for Bereaved Families,' which delivers prepared meals to the homes of 26 bereaved families.
Jung Daeun emphasized the need for training, stating, "If the personnel who deliver food to the bereaved families do not receive proper training in advance, even a single careless word can inflict significant emotional pain."
In response, Jeong Younghwa, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, stated, "Although there has not yet been any training for meal delivery personnel, we have held meetings with care managers and will also promote training for meal delivery staff."
Jung Daeun also addressed the 'Disaster Psychological Support Program' for bereaved families, stressing, "Rather than formal guidance or short-term programs, there is a need for customized, long-term support that reflects changes in the families' situations and incorporates their feedback."
Currently, as part of the Metropolitan Integrated Mental Health Promotion Project, Gwangju City is operating a disaster psychological support program for 56 households and about 100 bereaved family members, with a budget of approximately 20 million won. However, satisfaction with the program is reportedly low.
Jung Daeun stated, "Many bereaved family members are experiencing such extreme grief that even going outside is difficult. If support staff do not fully understand the pain of the bereaved, even minor words or actions can cause significant harm."
She added, "When Gwangju City plans and evaluates future projects related to welfare, care, and mental health, I urge you to actively reflect the experiences and opinions of the bereaved families."
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