"Devastating and Bittersweet" 'Guhara Act' to Be Reintroduced in the 21st National Assembly

On November 25 last year, the funeral hall at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital where the late Goo Hara's wake was held. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] The 'Koo Hara Act,' which was shelved in the 20th National Assembly, is being reintroduced in the 21st National Assembly.

According to multiple media outlets on the 3rd, Representative Seo Young-kyo (Democratic Party of Korea·Seoul Jungnang-gu Gap) has officially proposed the 'Partial Amendment to the Civil Act,' known as the 'Koo Hara Act,' in the 21st National Assembly.

The 'Koo Hara Act' is a bill initiated by Koo Ho-in, Koo Hara's older brother, who launched a national petition after her death on November 25 last year. The bill aims to prevent parents who have neglected their duty of care from inheriting the estate of their deceased child.

Under the current Civil Act, if a person dies without a spouse or descendants, their biological parents become the heirs. Therefore, Koo Hara's estate is inherited equally by her biological father and mother. It is known that the biological father transferred his share to Koo Hara's older brother.

Earlier, after Koo Hara's death last year, Koo filed a lawsuit arguing that it was unfair for the biological mother, who had been out of contact for over 20 years, to demand half of the inheritance. Subsequently, he pushed for the enactment of the Koo Hara Act.

However, on the 20th of last month, the legislation of the Koo Hara Act was halted. The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held the first subcommittee meeting on the 19th of last month and decided to 'continue review' on five proposed amendments to the Civil Act submitted that day. Considering that this subcommittee meeting was the last session of the 20th National Assembly, the bill was effectively shelved.

In response, on the 27th of last month, Koo expressed in an interview with a media outlet, "I felt devastated and bitter that the (Koo Hara Act) did not pass."

He added, "This is the last thing I can do for my sister," and stated that he will continue to push for the enactment of the Koo Hara Act.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.