Geochang County Council Member Pyo Ju-suk Urges Social Safety Measures to Prevent Solitary Deaths

"Please do your best to eliminate lonely deaths, known as Godoksa"

Pyo Ju-suk, a member of the Geochang County Council in Gyeongnam, attracted attention as an exemplary case of county administration questioning by raising issues and proposing policy alternatives during the 2nd plenary session of the 276th meeting on the 28th. She questioned County Governor Goo In-mo about measures to prevent solitary deaths and the fact that the majority of local governments operate a rental agricultural machinery delivery service, which Geochang County has not implemented.

Councilor Pyo stated, “Solitary deaths, which used to occur mainly among elderly households living alone, are gradually spreading to middle-aged groups,” and added, “Even solitary deaths among young people are increasing, showing that solitary deaths occur regardless of age, making it urgent to prepare social measures. How is Geochang County establishing countermeasures?” She urged, “Please do your utmost to ensure that solitary deaths, lonely deaths, do not occur in Geochang County.”

Pyo Joo-sook, member of the Geochang County Council.

She continued, “For years, I have proposed the implementation of a rental agricultural machinery delivery service through administrative audits and 5-minute free speeches whenever possible, but the county has maintained a passive stance, citing concerns such as manpower shortages and liability in case of accidents, refusing to implement the service,” criticizing the passive administration.

She also pointed out, “Nearby Hapcheon County has been operating the rental agricultural machinery delivery service for three years, and Hamyang County has been receiving favorable reviews since June last year,” urging prompt implementation.

In particular, she noted that the rental agricultural machinery delivery service has become a popular and universal service not only in nearby Hapcheon and Hamyang counties but also in many other cities and counties, as it allows farmers without transportation means such as trucks to easily use rental agricultural machinery, receiving positive feedback.

In a supplementary question, Councilor Pyo said, “The county keeps citing staff shortages and manpower difficulties as reasons for not implementing the delivery service, but shouldn’t they prepare alternatives that do not require additional personnel?” She proposed a policy alternative, saying, “If implemented in cooperation with local wrecker towing companies, it would revitalize the local economy and create a win-win situation for both the wrecker industry and the community.”

Councilor Pyo urged Geochang County to actively administer, saying, “If various measures suitable for Geochang’s circumstances are reviewed, the delivery service can certainly be implemented.”

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