Kim In-ho, Chairman of Seoul Metropolitan Council, "Disaster Relief Funds in Seoul Should Be Provided to Everyone"

Chairman Kim posted on Facebook on the 7th, stating, "I understand Seoul City's deep dilemma of having to provide selective support rather than universal support. Nevertheless, I believe it is now time for Seoul City to provide universal disaster relief funds."

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Kim In-ho, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, said on the 7th, "Seoul's disaster relief funds should be provided to everyone."

Chairman Kim stated on his Facebook that "It has been over a year since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Seoul on January 24, 2020. During this time, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Seoul has exceeded 24,000, and since November 19 last year, the daily number of new confirmed cases has not dropped below 100." He added, "What is even more heartbreaking is that the enormous damage and suffering, which cannot be fully captured by these numbers, have mercilessly struck the daily lives of citizens."

He continued, "Seoul has injected an additional 1 trillion won into emergency loans for small business owners, supporting up to 50,000 people; provided employment retention subsidies of up to 1.5 million won for three months to a maximum of 10,000 people; given 1 million won survival funds to 1,500 tourism businesses; and allocated 9.6 billion won to support festival artists' creative activities. Additionally, Seoul plans to issue 400 billion won worth of Seoul Love Gift Certificates at a 10% discount early, and provide 6,378 public safe jobs for the unemployed and vulnerable employment groups such as the elderly. The plan is to offer targeted support starting with sectors severely affected, such as small business owners facing livelihood cliffs and the tourism and performing arts industries on the brink of ecosystem collapse," he reported.

Chairman Kim said, "I understand Seoul's deep dilemma in having no choice but to provide selective support rather than universal support. Nevertheless, I believe it is now time for Seoul to provide universal disaster relief funds."

He also emphasized, "The damage COVID-19 has caused to our society cannot be measured by economic losses alone. Even economic losses are not simply quantifiable. The intangible and tangible losses experienced by each citizen are so diverse and vast that it is impossible to identify victims by selection. This is why disaster relief funds are necessary for all citizens living through this crisis."

He added, "A decision cannot be made immediately. However, listening to citizens' opinions on the direction and methods can start right now," and stated, "There is never a time too early to begin discussions."

Finally, the Seoul Metropolitan Council promised to devote itself solely to protecting citizens' safety and revitalizing livelihoods, pledging to cooperate and support Seoul's administration unwaveringly. Rather than postponing considerations until after the April elections, they promised to start discussions early and gather opinions.

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