Park Kyuntaek: "Integrated Care Services Utilizing Vacant Public Housing Units"

Lead Sponsorship of the Special Act on Public Housing Amendment
Reflecting Public Officials' Proposals
Taking the Lead in Legislation for Everyday Lives

Kyun Taek Park, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker.

Kyun-Taek Park, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangsan-gap in Gwangju, announced on August 27 that he has sponsored a revision to the Special Act on Public Housing aimed at establishing a community-based care system.

The proposed amendment grants special provisions allowing integrated welfare service support agencies, such as local governments, to use some vacant units in public rental housing to provide care services for vulnerable individuals, including those with health issues.

According to the “2023 Survey Report on the Status of the Elderly” released in October last year, the top preferred living arrangement among elderly individuals with health vulnerabilities was “the current home.” This preference was highest at 87.2% when independent living was possible due to maintained health, and remained the most preferred option at 48.9% even when assuming a decline in health.

President Lee Jaemyung also reflected this policy demand in his presidential campaign pledge, proposing the establishment of a community-based integrated care system that enables seniors and others to receive medical and care services at home.

The proposed amendment was developed in collaboration with Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, which was selected for a pilot project by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. After receiving direct policy suggestions from public officials in integrated care, who have a clear understanding of the health blind spots among elderly tenants in public rental housing, the bill was pursued through ongoing communication and efforts toward legal revision.

Park emphasized, “The perspective of a public official with extensive field experience in welfare for everyday life has led to efforts to resolve issues at the National Assembly level,” adding, “I will continue to take the lead in legislation closely aligned with the realities of people’s lives, which the Lee Jaemyung administration values.”