Kim Sook-hee, Bupyeong District Council Member: "Senior Smoking Prevention, Adjustment of Activities Needed During Peak Smoking Times at Lunch"

Kim Sook-hee, a member of the Incheon Bupyeong District Council (People Power Party·Galsan 1·2-dong, Samsan 1-dong), urged adjustments to the activity hours of the new health project 'Senior Smoking Environment Keeper' set for 2026 to enhance its effectiveness, while sharply pointing out issues related to unmanned stores and quarantine management that closely affect residents' lives.

During the report of the Urban Environment Committee at the 274th Bupyeong District Council temporary session held on January 29, Council Member Kim Sook-hee put the brakes on the operation method of the 'Senior Smoking Environment Keeper' project.

Council Member Kim mentioned that the activity hours of the project are planned from 9 AM to 12 PM, stating, "The peak time for smoking is after lunch, yet activities do not take place during this peak time." She continued, "We should not just fit into the framework of senior job projects but should consider flexible operation plans that align with the times when complaints about smoking surge."

In response, a representative from the district health center said, "We initiated this project for awareness improvement, but we fully empathize with the time-related difficulties pointed out by the council member and will review efficient operation plans."

During the hygiene report, the issue of poor management of unmanned food sales businesses was brought to light. Council Member Kim stated, "The number of unmanned stores has increased by 20 compared to last year, reaching 171, but when visiting the sites, there are no specific management guidelines," emphasizing, "As the types of stores vary from snack shops used by children to cake specialty shops, we need to create standardized safety guidelines in consultation with the city or central government."

Regarding quarantine issues, she warned against the side effects of sticky traps installed to eradicate pests like 'lovebugs.' Council Member Kim said, "If traps are installed near the butterfly park located in Cheongcheon-dong, there is a high risk of capturing beneficial insects like butterflies," calling for ecological care in site selection.

The issue of equity in health projects was also raised. Council Member Kim criticized, "Support for shingles vaccinations is delayed due to budget shortages compared to other local governments," stating, "To avoid feeling inequality as an Incheon citizen, we need proactive solutions through discussions with the city rather than just responses of 'there is no budget.'"

She also added that for the flu vaccinations expanded to middle school students and the HPV (cervical cancer) vaccinations now available for boys, "We need to strengthen publicity and increase vaccination rates in close cooperation with the education office and schools."