Mayor Jo Yong-ik of Bucheon Requests Ministry of Interior and Safety to Address Key Issues, Including Establishment of Policy Research Institute

On the 24th, Jo Yong-ik, Mayor of Bucheon City in Gyeonggi Province, met with Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, at the Seoul Government Complex to discuss key issues related to Bucheon’s policies, safety, and finances, and requested comprehensive support.

On this day, Mayor Jo presented the main agenda items, including approval for the establishment of the Bucheon Policy Research Institute, the amendment of the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management, and the withdrawal of the plan to transfer the social service agent program in the health and welfare sector to local governments.

Mayor Jo Yong-ik of Bucheon City (left) is delivering a policy proposal on local issues to Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, on the 24th. Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province

Mayor Jo first proposed the prompt approval for the establishment of the Bucheon Policy Research Institute. He emphasized, "Bucheon is currently pursuing major urban transformation projects such as the development of the Bucheon Daejang High-Tech Industrial Complex, integrated development around Bucheon Sports Complex station area, and metropolitan railway projects," adding, "Establishing the Policy Research Institute is essential to conduct policy research and systematic analysis tailored to the unique characteristics of the region."

He also highlighted the need to amend the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management to strengthen the safety management of private facilities.

Mayor Jo stated, "For small-scale private facilities such as villas and commercial buildings, even if an emergency safety inspection indicates the need for a detailed safety diagnosis, the measures are often not implemented due to the financial burden on the owners, which significantly increases the risk of accidents." He suggested, "The law should clearly stipulate the grounds for administrative execution regarding private facilities, and an effective safety management system must be established."

Additionally, Mayor Jo requested the withdrawal of the plan to transfer the social service agent program in the health and welfare sector to local governments. He said, "With the monthly salary for social service agents raised to 1.5 million won based on the rank of sergeant, if national funding is suspended from 2027, the financial burden on local governments will inevitably increase." He continued, "To maintain stable welfare services and ensure sound local fiscal management, the current level of national funding support must be maintained."

Mayor Jo stated, "I have proposed issues that must be addressed to strengthen urban competitiveness, ensure citizen safety, and lay the foundation for future growth," adding, "We will communicate and cooperate even more closely with the Lee Jae-myung administration to successfully and continuously advance Bucheon’s key initiatives without interruption."