Kim Jaemu, Gwangyang Mayor Candidate, "Will Prioritize Normalization of Health University as Top Task"

Students Face Double Hardship Due to National Funding Suspension and Loss of Scholarship Benefits

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Kim Jaemu, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Gwangyang, announced on the 12th that he would prioritize the normalization of the university as his top administrative task.

On that day, Kim visited Gwangyang Health University with Democratic Party city and provincial council members and said in a conversation with student council executives, "The existence of the university is an essential asset to the region, and I will do my utmost to lead cooperation from all sectors to achieve normalization."

Gwangyang Health University, which is experiencing financial difficulties, is facing a serious crisis as some department buildings, such as the Emergency Rescue and Physical Therapy departments, are aging and leaking rainwater.

Moreover, with the suspension of national funding, students who are not receiving scholarship benefits are suffering from double hardships.

Ko Young-seok (27), president of the student council at Gwangyang Health University, said, "In the health-related departments, only the equipment machines are available, and there are no consumable materials for practice, so we are unable to proceed," adding, "We have received some help by asking seniors who graduated so far, but now we have reached our limit," describing the financial difficulties the school is facing.

He also lamented, "Due to COVID-19, the school's dormitories and cafeterias have closed, forcing students outside the campus," and "As living expenses and other additional costs increase, enrolled students are experiencing great inconvenience."

In response, candidate Kim said, "I am leading efforts to save the local university more than anyone else, but it is regrettable that things are not going as planned," and promised, "I will establish a close cooperative system with Assemblyman Seo Dong-yong, who is active in the National Assembly's Education Committee, to take the lead in normalization."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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