Prime Minister Kim on Jeon Jang-yeon 'Morning Commute Protest': "I Feel Deeply Sorry and Regretful"

'Enforcement Decree Amendment of the Act on Guaranteeing Convenience Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Elderly, Pregnant Women, etc.' Submitted to the Cabinet Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Woo-seok] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum expressed deep regret and apology on the 26th regarding the "commute-time subway boarding and alighting protest" held by the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Kim said, "Recently, there was a subway boarding protest by a disability group advocating for the guarantee of mobility rights for persons with disabilities."

Introducing the "Enforcement Decree Amendment of the Act on the Promotion of Convenience for Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women" submitted at the Cabinet meeting, he stated, "There are about 2.65 million persons with disabilities in our country, accounting for about 5% of the total population," and added, "We are well aware that the government's measures are seen as insufficient by persons with disabilities and that there is still a long way to go."

Nevertheless, he said, "Our society is changing. The number of people who empathize with the realities faced daily by persons with disabilities is also increasing," and "Although it may be difficult to see noticeable changes across all fields immediately, I believe the day when everyone can enjoy a full life together is not far off. We will continue to make every effort until the end."

Regarding the amendment submitted that day, Prime Minister Kim urged, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should do its best to ensure that the amended law is implemented smoothly so that the mobility rights of persons with disabilities can be improved even slightly."

Meanwhile, since the end of last year, the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities has been conducting subway boarding and alighting protests during commute hours, demanding the guarantee of mobility rights and disability rights budgets. Currently, they have temporarily suspended the protests from the 25th until the 2nd of next month, awaiting a response from Choo Kyung-ho, the candidate for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, regarding the disability rights budget.

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