Bupyeong District Council Member Lee Ik-sung: "Veterans' Affairs is Not a Favor but a Repayment... Welfare Budget 72%, Not a Single Won Should Be Wasted"

Voices have emerged stating that over 70% of Bupyeong District's budget for welfare administration 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 held on the 2nd, Member Lee Ik-sung (People Power Party) emphasized this while receiving a business report for the new year 2026 from the Welfare Policy Division and the Social Security Division.

Member Lee first mentioned the increase in allowances for veterans' organizations, including those who participated in the Korean War, through last year's ordinance amendment, stating, "While it is fortunate that the scope of support has been broadened, it is still at a poor level compared to other districts."

He urged that "veterans' support should be approached as a 'repayment' that the state must naturally provide, not as a 'benefit'," and added that elderly merit recipients 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 the Basic Medical Welfare Dependent Criteria (Abolition of Dependent Allowance)' starting this year, noting that the elimination of the 'weak ability to support' buffer zone would allow more residents to receive medical benefits. He stated, "I hope that the relaxation of criteria will effectively lower the welfare threshold and bring warmth to those in need."

On the other hand, regarding the self-sufficiency projects that have faced repeated allegations of accounting fraud, he demanded a strong critique and 'discontinuation'. Member Lee remarked, "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 management oversight.

In response, the head of the Social Security Division stated, "We will conduct inspections more thoroughly and report to the council."

In his closing remarks, Member Lee stated, "Since 72.3% of Bupyeong District's budget of 1.25 trillion won is welfare budget, the Welfare Department is the central organization of Bupyeong," and urged, "Please ensure that not a single won is wasted by carefully examining the execution and settlement process, and make this year one where residents can find 'clues to solutions' in Bupyeong District's welfare."