Kim In-ho, Chair of Seoul Metropolitan Council, Visits Small Business Owners Around Seongbuk Jangwi-dong Area

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Democratic Party Livelihood Practice Committee (Chair Lee Kyung-sun, Seongbuk 4) conducted a field visit on the 11th with small business owners around Jangwi-dong to find answers for coexistence and overcoming COVID-19.

During the field visit, held together with Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Kim In-ho and Democratic Party Representative Assemblyman Cho Sang-ho, they directly confirmed the damage situation of small business owners in Seongbuk-gu caused by the recent surge in confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church, and discussed the countermeasures being prepared by Seoul City in the presence of representatives of small business owners.

The on-site meeting held at the Jangwi Traditional Market 2nd floor merchants’ association office was moderated by Shin Jeong-ho, Vice Chair of the Livelihood Committee, with attendance from Kim Il-young, Chair of Seongbuk District Council, Seo Seong-man, Director of Seoul City Labor and Livelihood Bureau, and other officials from Seoul City and Seongbuk-gu. They listened directly to the difficulties and voices from the field of small business owners and continued discussions on support measures from Seoul City and the autonomous district.

At the on-site meeting, all participants agreed that the most important aspect of Seoul City’s countermeasures is “immediate support where it is needed.”

Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Kim In-ho stated, “Although all situations are difficult due to the impact of COVID-19, the citizens who are always doing their best in the fierce realities of life are the true heroes of our time. The Seoul Metropolitan Council will faithfully fulfill its role as a beacon to illuminate the dark tunnel of COVID-19 by heeding the will of the citizens. In particular, we will review policy measures together with Seoul City, such as special grants, to support small business owners in Seongbuk-gu who are facing hardships.”

Democratic Party Representative Assemblyman Cho Sang-ho promised active support at the party level in the future, saying, “The Democratic Party of the Seoul Metropolitan Council will actively step forward to provide comprehensive support such as financial aid, market expansion, and consumption promotion for small business owners and traditional markets struggling due to COVID-19 and social distancing level 2.5.”

Livelihood Practice Committee Chair Lee Kyung-sun said, “The Seoul Metropolitan Council and Seoul City must seriously accept the lament of regret (桂玉之嘆) raised by residents at the on-site meeting. Especially regarding support for small business owners who have suffered severe damage, the most important issue is timing. The Livelihood Practice Committee will take the lead in providing immediate and effective support.”

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