Seoul City Criticizes Democratic Party and Jeonjangyeon for Politically Distorting Disability Policies Ahead of Election: "Typical Nitpicking"

"Irresponsible Agitation Must Stop Immediately"

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has criticized members of the Democratic Party of Korea and the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination (Jeonjangyeon), urging them to "immediately stop distorting facts and engaging in divisive politics that pit citizens against people with disabilities."

On January 9, Seoul City spokesperson Lee Minkyoung strongly condemned certain lawmakers at a meeting with Jeonjangyeon and Democratic Party members, accusing them of politically distorting and disparaging Seoul's disability policies. In a statement, she said, "We express strong regret over the fact that some are making statements that distort and belittle Seoul's efforts solely for political gain, without even verifying the facts."

Kim Youngbae, Seo Younggyo, Jeon Hyunhee, Park Jumin, Park Honggeun, and other members of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with Park Kyungseok, former executive director of the Seoul Disabled People's Solidarity, and other attendees are taking a commemorative photo during a dialogue with the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on January 9, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Spokesperson Lee stated, "Despite Seoul City having allocated more budget and administrative resources than any previous government or local authority to guarantee mobility rights and support independence for people with disabilities, labeling these efforts as 'rights deprivation' or 'regression' is a direct insult to the city's administration."

Regarding the claim made by Jeonjangyeon and some lawmakers that the 'one station, one accessible route' policy remains incomplete, she countered, "This is a typical case of nitpicking criticism." She explained, "As of December 2025, all 338 subway stations managed by Seoul City, including those operated by Seoul Metro, have achieved 100% completion of the one station, one accessible route policy. This 100% completion is a historic result that fulfills Seoul's promise to guarantee mobility rights for people with disabilities." She added, "Any shortcomings at stations managed by Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) are beyond Seoul City's administrative authority. Citizens are closely watching Democratic Party lawmakers' political actions in using Jeonjangyeon to attack Seoul City for issues that are the responsibility of the central government."

She also refuted the claim by Jeonjangyeon and some lawmakers regarding the "unilateral dismissal of 400 people from rights-centered jobs," calling it "clearly false."

Spokesperson Lee explained, "This project is a one-year subsidy program, and its conclusion was due to the end of the contract period, not dismissals. This structure is the same as most public job programs run by the government and local authorities." She continued, "There has been considerable criticism that rights-centered jobs were focused on activities such as participating in rallies or protests by people with disabilities, which actually spread negative perceptions among citizens and undermined the original purpose of the jobs. As a result, of the 400 people who participated in this program until 2023, 285 (71%) transitioned to disability employment programs operated by Seoul City and the Ministry of Health and Welfare."

Hong Ikpyo and Kim Youngbae, members of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with Park Kyungseok, former executive director of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination, and other attendees are greeting each other during a dialogue with the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on January 9, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

She further stated, "This year, Seoul is providing a total of 380 specialized jobs, including positions in culture and the arts for people with severe disabilities, and the budget has increased by 400 million won to 6.2 billion won compared to rights-centered jobs." She questioned, "Does the Democratic Party believe Seoul should continue to fund participation fees for protests organized by Jeonjangyeon?"

She also refuted claims that Seoul City has neglected the operation of call taxis for people with disabilities. She stated, "Seoul is currently operating 818 call taxis for people with disabilities, which is 152% of the legal requirement of 537 vehicles under the Act on the Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility Disadvantaged Persons, representing the highest supply rate in the country. Even under difficult circumstances with no national funding for drivers' wages, Seoul has independently used citizen tax revenue to guarantee mobility rights."

She pointed out to the Democratic Party, "Before criticizing, it is necessary to correct the government's attitude of refusing budget support on the grounds that this is a 'local administrative matter' and to focus on legislative and budgetary support."

Finally, spokesperson Lee stated, "Jeonjangyeon is holding citizens' convenience hostage to push through only their own demands, and some in the political sphere are fueling conflict by riding on this. Protecting the daily lives of Seoul citizens, who have suffered for years due to illegal subway protests, is the mayor's rightful duty." She concluded, "We urge an immediate end to divisive politics that distort facts and pit citizens against people with disabilities. Seoul City will continue to steadfastly fulfill its responsibilities for the happiness of Seoul citizens and people with disabilities, undeterred by political offensives."