So Jae-seop, Buk-gu Council Member, Shines in Legislative Activities for Workers

Contributing to the Spread of a Labor-Respecting Culture and the Enhancement of Rights

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] So Jaeseop, a member of the Gwangju Buk-gu Council, is seeing the fruits of his legislative activities aimed at improving the rights and interests of workers.

In the 252nd Buk-gu Council extraordinary session in 2019, Councilor So proposed in a 5-minute free speech to change the term ‘근로’ (geullo, meaning ‘work’ or ‘labor’ in a subordinate sense) used in the names of organizations, titles of ordinances, articles, and administrative terms within Buk-gu to ‘노동’ (nodong, meaning ‘labor’ in a more equal and active sense).

Thanks to Councilor So’s efforts, the name ‘근로복지팀’ (Geullo Welfare Team) was changed to ‘노동협력팀’ (Labor Cooperation Team) in June 2019.

Additionally, the ordinance titled ‘Ordinance for Partial Amendment of 72 Ordinances Including the Gwangju Metropolitan City Buk-gu District Administration Adjustment Committee Ordinance for Maintenance of Higher Law Amendments, etc.’, which includes changing the term ‘근로’ to ‘노동’ in 15 Buk-gu ordinances, was finally approved at the plenary session on the 24th.

Councilor So stated, “‘노동’ (nodong) is a concept that implies working on an equal and balanced footing with the employer (business owner), unlike ‘근로’ (geullo), which implies working subordinately under the employer. It is a more active and autonomous expression.” He added, “Changing from the ‘근로’ (geullo) of a master-servant relationship to ‘노동’ (nodong), which forms an equal relationship, has become an opportunity to spread a culture that respects labor and to enhance workers’ rights and interests.”

Furthermore, in the 264th Buk-gu Council extraordinary session in 2020, he urged the establishment of protection and support measures for essential workers who play a crucial role in protecting the lives, safety, property, and daily life of the public through a 5-minute free speech.

In relation to this, he took the lead in proposing the ‘Gwangju Metropolitan City Buk-gu Ordinance on the Protection and Support of Essential Workers’ in January of this year, contributing to improving the poor working conditions and social perception of essential workers.

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr

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