The Second Weekly of October
Createdd 2016-10-14 Hit 336
Contents
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV.
I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week.
Article 1. 2nd Gyeonggi Coalition Term Officially Begins (1004-1)
[Anchor’s Headline] On October 4, the second coalition term of Gyeonggi Province officially began with the inauguration of a Coalition Vice Governor who will oversee the implementation of 288 coalition projects during the remaining term of the provincial administration.
▶ Inauguration of Gyeonggi Province Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku (October 4)
In his inaugural speech, new Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku (강득구), a former chairman of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, expressed his determination to bring the province’s second coalition term to success.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku
”The coalition agreement is about the improvement of public life. The success of the coalition will mean the success of the local autonomy, the very spirit of Next Gyeonggi!”
The second coalition agreement covers projects that have been significantly expanded compared to the first.
▶ Coalition Vice Governor to Oversee Implementation of 288 Projects
During the first coalition term, the coalition administration was overseen by the Social Integration Vice Governor. However, the Coalition Vice Governor took over responsibilities for the second coalition term and will oversee the implementation of significantly expanded coalition projects.
▶ New “Coalition Cooperation Bureau” Established
The new Coalition Cooperation Bureau and Ddabok Community Support Team have also been established under the direct supervision of the Coalition Vice Governor.
▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Chairman Jeong Gi-yul
“We must create a political system that is committed to the betterment of the lives of residents for as long as the provincial assembly exists.”
▶ Plan for Local Minister Nomination Replaced by Local Coalition Committee Chairpersons
The original plan for the nomination of local ministers was replaced by the delegation of local coalition committee chairpersons.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“I ask you to delegate four coalition committee chairpersons with whom we can work within the provincial administration.”
With the launch of the second coalition term under the new Coalition Vice Governor, Gyeonggi Province is one step closer to realizing its goal of social integration.
Article 2. Solicitation and Bribery Prohibition Law of Korea (1004-2)
[Anchor’s Headline] Korea’s new solicitation and bribery prohibition law – also known as the Kim Young-lan (김영란) Law – is the subject of enquiries by many officials who are unsure about its application in specific cases. GTV examined the most frequently asked questions.
▶ Solicitation and Bribery Prohibition Law Call Center, Gyeonggi Province
The call center for these enquiries at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex has been receiving many calls on a daily basis.
▶ [Sync] “In principle, the Kim Young-lan Law simply requires public officials not to accept anything from someone who is related to their work.”
We compiled the questions most commonly asked by officials since the effectuation of this law.
[CG] One of the top five questions is if it is acceptable for an official to have a meal with someone who is related to his or her work. The answer is no if there is an unresolved matter regarding this person’s direct interest.
What about offering a meal or a souvenir to a participant in a local festival?
▶ Han In-gyo / Gyeonggi Province Investigation Office
“It is okay to offer a common gift for multiple persons. However, you cannot offer a specific gift to a specific person.”
May a person entertain someone who is job-related and a guest at one’s own wedding with a meal that costs more than KRW 30,000? The answer is yes because it is classified as a family event.
Another frequently asked question is about an official providing paid lessons in a club that is not job-related. Such a case is not subject to reporting since it is a personal activity.
Resident leaders are also uncertain about the application of the solicitation and bribery prohibition law in their cases. Their work is not that of public officials and therefore is not subject to this law.
One must exercise care in making judgments in the application of the law since applications for the same actions may differ depending on circumstances.
▶ GTV Reporter Lee Hyun-gyeong
“The Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission of Korea recommends that individuals pay separately if they not certain about the application of the law. Gyeonggi GTV, Lee Hyun-gyeong.”
Article 3. Job Fair for Disabled Held in Gyeonggi Province (1004-3)
[Anchor’s Headline] In September, Gyeonggi Province held a job fair for individuals with disabilities at its northern government complex and received a large number of job searchers.
Those who have difficulty with writing were assisted by volunteers with the preparation of their resumes.
[Sync] “Now, look at the camera”
Hong (홍은표), who did not bring his photographs, could take new ones at the fair free of charge.
▶ Hong Eun-pyo / Job Applicant with Disability
“I received help with my job applications and was also provided with a free photograph service. I am very grateful.”
At the booths of 40 participating enterprises, job searchers took part in interviews.
▶ 500+ Job Applicants with Disabilities Took Onsite Interviews
More than 500 job applicants with disabilities participated in onsite job interviews, which helped them gain confidence.
▶ Gil Hyun-ju / Job Applicant with Disability
“I feel more confident after the job interviews. I am preparing for an office job and really want to find employment.”
▶ Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (September 30)
2016 Gyeonggi Province Job Fair for Disabled
With more than 900 job searchers with disabilities having visited the job fair, the organizers regard the event as a success.
▶ Lee Won-jun / Chief Official, Gyeonggi Province Disabled Welfare Team
“The Job Fair for Disabled is a meaningful event that helps alleviate social prejudices about individuals with disabilities while providing employment opportunities to them.”
This was the second job fair for individuals with disabilities held in Gyeonggi Province this year. This year’s first event saw 26 job searchers find employment onsite. Gyeonggi Province plans to organize a third event at Suwon-Hwaseong Haenggung (수원-화성 행궁) on October 27.
Article 4. Gyeonggi Receives Korean National Assembly Inspections (1005-1)
[Anchor’s Headline] On October 5, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) received an inspection of his general performance by the Korean National Assembly’s Safety Administration Committee. During the inspection, coalition policy became the foremost issue.
▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (October 5)
2016 National Assembly Safety Administration Committee’s Inspection of Gyeonggi Province
The National Assembly committee members of both the ruling and opposition parties generally commended Gyeonggi Province’s coalition policy and enquired regarding details of the second term coalition which is to be led by the newly appointed Coalition Vice Governor.
▶ Pyo Chang-won / Korean National Assembly Member, Minjoo Party
“I must express my commendation on your establishing a model of political cooperation by introducing coalition policy for the first time in Korea.”
▶ Jang Jeong-suk / Korean National Assembly Member, People’s Party
“The realization of political coalition is commendable by all people. As a member of the National Assembly who represents people, I must say you are doing something great that will set the standard.”
The inspectors also showed their interest in other issues raised in the central political arena by Governor Nam.
▶ Hwang Young-cheol / Korean National Assembly Member, Saenuri Party
“The introduction of the volunteer military system that you proposed will require a substantial portion of the national budget. Do you have any solutions that you would suggest?
▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“I think our nation has sufficient capability. If we strongly promote noblesse oblige as a national agenda, there will be many youths who will choose military services…”
There were also questions about regional issues.
▶ Governor Nam Agrees on Necessity for Improving Earthquake Resistance of Urban Buildings
Regarding building safety during earthquakes, Governor Nam agreed with the necessity for the reinforcement of urban buildings so as to improve their earthquake resistance. Regarding the promotion of the Disaster & Safety Headquarters under the direct control of the governor, inspectors generally gave positive views on the safety-consciousness of the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.
National Assembly inspections will continue on October 10 with the Land & Transport Committee.
Article 5. Insect Markets Growing in Gyeonggi Province (1005-2)
[Anchor’s Headline] The insect markets of Korea are growing as insects have emerged as products of high added value, especially those used for medical and dietary purposes. The number of students wishing to major in insect farming in Gyeonggi Province is also increasing on an annual basis.
▶ Insect Farm, Hwaseong City
This insect farm in Hwaseong (화성) City used to produce edible insects only. However, the insect species being produced have been diversified in recent years since new demand for insects arose for a number of different purposes.
▶ Kim Jong-hui / Insect Farm Owner
“There used to be insect orders for animal feed only. However, we now have orders for human consumption. I expect that there will be other new markets such as the one for pet insects…”
[CG] Insects are an excellent food source since they contain a variety of inorganic substances including iron and calcium that are scarce in grains, three times more protein than in meat, and a large amount of chitosan.
▶ Chirping of Crickets Beneficial to Dementia Patients
Crickets are being developed for medical purposes since the chirping of crickets was found by scientists to be beneficial for dementia patients.
▶ Insect Industry Department of Gyeonggi Agricultural College Becomes Popular
With growing potential for insect use, the number of students pursuing insect farming studies is growing each year in Gyeonggi Province.
▶ Kim Jin-gyu / Chief Official, Agricultural Education Team, GARES
“Enquiry and applicant numbers have been growing 50% each year, which indicates the recognition that insects have the potential to become products of high added value.”
▶ Insect Market Expected to Grow to KRW 530 Billion by 2020
The current Korean insect market sees demand primarily for displays and pets. However, the market is expected to grow to KRW 530 billion by 2020 when insects for dietary and medical purposes are added.
Article 6. Loan Fraud Victimizing Disabled Increases (1005-3)
[Anchor’s Headline] An increasing number of individuals with disabilities in Korea have become victims of financial fraud. GTV investigated the institutional procedures available in Gyeonggi Province for the protection of such victims.
▶ Man with Intellectual Suffered Load Fraud of KRW 30 Million
At Suwon Station, Lee, who has an intellectual disability, was approached by a man who offered his assistance with Lee’s monthly rental payments. He made excuses and asked Lee to hand over his ID card which he then used to draw a loan before disappearing.
▶ Lee / Fraud Victim
“I wanted to die, really. The debt grew to more than KRW 30 million without me knowing. I couldn’t bear the pressure, so I kept evading.”
For Lee, who has no family, Gyeonggi Province appointed a certified judicial scrivener as a legal guardian.
▶ Boss Defrauds Woman with Intellectual Disability of KRW 110 Million
A 24-year-old woman suffered loan fraud of KRW 114 million after her boss stole her identity.
Recognizing the growing number of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are being victimized by loan fraud, the Free Legal Consultation Center of Gyeonggi Province began providing free legal services and guardians so as to protect the victims.
▶ Lee Il-yong / Lawyer, Gyeonggi Province Free Legal Consultation Center
“The appointment of a legal guardian is required for those who are incapable of or need assistance with document preparation and legal procedures. Guardians can provide active assistance in legal proceedings.”
▶ Many Victims Suffer Damage without Legal Guardians
The legal guardian system provides institutional protection for adults who have difficulties making decisions independently and suffer due to loan fraud. Many victims suffer damage because of loan fraud without being aware that such a protection system exists.
▶ Park Kyeong-sun / Gyeonggi Province Legal Service Team Official
“We provide legal guardians to those who need them free of charge. The appointment of a legal guardian should be approved through a court proceeding. We provide cost support for such proceedings.”
For effective operation of the legal guardian system, as many people as possible should be made aware of the existence of this system.
Article 7. Gyeonggi Provides Incentives to SMEs (1006-2)
[Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating an ‘SME with Good Prospects’ Certification System so as to provide support to SMEs with high potential for growth. Certified enterprises are provided with various incentives such as interest discounts on loans from the SME Promotion Fund.
▶ Cosmetics Enterprise, Suwon City
This cosmetics manufacturer is one such enterprise that received ‘SME with Good Prospects’ Certification this year. This enterprise qualified because of its substantial sales and job creation performance.
▶ [PiP] Choi Jang-ho / Representative of Certified SME with Good Prospect
“This (certification) will boost the morale of our employees tremendously as well as the credibility of the company externally.”
▶ ‘SME with Good Prospects’ Certification System
The ‘SME with Good Prospects’ Certification System of Gyeonggi Province aims to help the certified enterprises grow further by providing various incentives. From its introduction in 1995 through to last year, more than 5,300 enterprises have received this certification. This year, 199 SMEs were selected for certification.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“Gyeonggi Province will continue to be a reliable supporter of yours, not simply in words but by actively creating a platform upon which to provide support to certified enterprises and…”
[CG] Those enterprises selected will be entitled to receive 33 incentives from 9 organizations including export insurance premium discounts and SME Promotion Fund interest rate discounts.
Gyeonggi Province will continue to support SMEs through various programs to help them grow.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV
We look forward to seeing you again next week.
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