Bupyeong District Council Member Lee Ik-seong: “Veterans' Affairs is a Duty, Not a Charity... 72% of Welfare Budget Must Not Be Wasted”

More than 70% of Bupyeong District's budget is allocated to welfare administration, which must go beyond simple budget execution to ensure 'respect' for national merit recipients and 'accountability' in administration.

During the 4th Administrative Welfare Committee meeting of the 274th Bupyeong District Council temporary session held on the 2nd, Member Lee Ik-seong (People Power Party) emphasised this while receiving a business report for the new year 2026 from the Welfare Policy Division and the Social Security Division.

He first mentioned the increase in allowances for veterans' organisations, including those who participated in the Korean War, through last year's ordinance amendment, stating, “It is fortunate that the scope of support has been widened, but it is still at a poor level compared to other districts.”

He asserted, “Veterans' support should be approached as a 'reward' that the state must provide, not as a 'benefit',” and urged for additional support measures, stating that elderly veterans should not have to endure sacrifices due to the district's financial situation.

He did not hold back on encouraging the administrative achievements aimed at resolving welfare blind spots. Member Lee positively evaluated the implementation of the 'Relaxation of Basic Medical Aid Dependency Criteria (Abolition of Dependency Costs)' starting this year, noting that the elimination of the 'weak dependency ability' buffer zone would allow more residents to receive medical benefits. He expressed, “I hope that the relaxation of criteria will effectively lower the welfare threshold and bring warmth to those in need.”

On the other hand, he demanded a 'break' from the self-sufficiency projects that have faced repeated allegations of accounting irregularities, along with strong criticism. He stated, “It is time to cut off the problems that have persisted under the name of tradition,” and pointed out that it was disappointing that the new year's work plan lacked a specific roadmap for strengthening oversight.

In response, the Social Security Division Head stated, “We will conduct inspections more thoroughly and report to the council.”

In his closing remarks, Member Lee stated, “Since 72.3% of the Bupyeong District budget of 1.25 trillion won is welfare budget, the Welfare Department is the central organisation of Bupyeong,” and urged, “We must carefully examine the execution and settlement process to ensure that no money is wasted, and create a year where residents can find 'clues to solutions' in Bupyeong's welfare.”