Central Government Officially Accepts Proposal by Gwangju Council Chairperson Soojung Shin

Health Checkups for Retired Firefighters and Fire Insurance Support for Alley-Type Shopping Districts
"A Case Where Policy Proposals from Local Councils Led to Institutional Improvements"

Soojung Shin, Chairperson of Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

On July 16, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Chairperson Soojung Shin) announced, "The proposals made by the Gwangju Metropolitan Council regarding '10-year health checkup support for retired firefighters' and 'fire insurance support for alley-type shopping districts' have been officially adopted as agenda items by the National Association of Metropolitan and Provincial Council Chairpersons of Korea, and the central government has sent an official response indicating its intention to accept these proposals."

Chairperson Soojung Shin has consistently argued that, considering the repeated exposure to hazardous environments and job-related stress experienced by firefighters during their service, which can continue to affect their health after retirement, health checkup support should be provided for at least 10 years following retirement. With the government's acceptance of this proposal, a legal foundation is expected to be established to institutionally protect the health rights of retired firefighters.

Additionally, an official proposal was made to improve the low fire insurance subscription rates in areas densely populated by small business owners, such as traditional markets and alley-type shopping districts, and to expand public insurance support to better prepare for fire damage. In particular, considering the characteristics of alley commercial districts, where most business owners are small-scale merchants, improvements to the system will be pursued to reduce insurance premium burdens and simplify the subscription process.

In its response, the government stated, "We agree on the necessity and feasibility of implementing both proposals, and we will prepare to enact these systems through future revisions to relevant laws and budget allocations."

This is being evaluated as a model case in which a policy proposed by a local council on matters closely related to residents' daily lives has led to tangible institutional improvements at the central government level.

Chairperson Shin stated, "The inclusion of these policies is very meaningful, as it demonstrates that the role of local councils, based on the voices of citizens and those on the ground, has led to national policy changes," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to develop practical policies that enhance the welfare and safety of ordinary citizens, including firefighters and small business owners."

Meanwhile, the government's decision to accept these proposals is seen as a case in which the Gwangju Metropolitan Council's suggestions have been reflected at the central government level, and it is expected to serve as a positive opportunity to address gaps in public welfare through cooperation between the local community and the nation.