"Government to Take Charge of Win-Win Fund"... Park Jiwon Praises President Lee's Policy

First Resolution Bears Fruit: Government to Cover Rural Community Win-Win Fund Shortfall
Mokpo Immigration Office Elevated; Advance Notification System for Crackdowns Confirmed

Jiwon Park, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province), welcomed the rural support measures and plans to address long-pending regional projects announced by the Lee Jaemyung administration, stating they "will mark a turning point that will bring real improvements to the lives of farmers and fishermen."

On July 21, during an appearance on the KBS1 radio program 'Starting the West Coast Era', Assemblyman Park discussed the recent presidential work report and deliberations with relevant ministries, explaining the outcomes of key pending issues.

Representative Jiwon Park (right) emphasized the need for a 'prior notification system' for illegal stay crackdowns during the farming season at the Mokpo Immigration Office during the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on the 8th. Courtesy of Jiwon Park's office

The most notable highlight is the government's plan to contribute directly to the Rural Community Win-Win Cooperation Fund. Park explained, "President Lee Jaemyung ordered the government to take direct responsibility for the shortfall in the fund's collections, along with considering an expansion of agricultural subsidies," and added, "This will serve as an opportunity to resolve this longstanding issue in one stroke."

The Rural Community Win-Win Cooperation Fund was established jointly by the government and private sector to assist farmers and fishermen who suffered losses from the implementation of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement. However, persistent criticism has arisen due to the consistently low fundraising performance from private sources.

Assemblyman Park has consistently called for expansion of the fund, including passing a resolution urging revitalization of the Rural Community Win-Win Cooperation Fund as his first sponsored proposal in the 22nd National Assembly. He said, "With the government having made its commitment clear, now private companies and foundations must also actively participate in raising and revitalizing the fund."

Elevation of Mokpo Immigration Office... Implementation of 'prior notification system' for crackdown on illegal foreign workers during busy farming season

The promotion of the Mokpo Immigration Branch Office, a long-pending regional demand, to a full 'office' under the Ministry of Justice, has also been finalized.

According to Assemblyman Park, after continuous discussions with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he emphasized the necessity of the promotion at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee on July 8, and ultimately received the final confirmation from Minister of the Interior and Safety Hojoong Yoon on July 10.

Once the branch is elevated to a full office, its organization and workforce will be significantly expanded. This is expected not only to greatly resolve administrative backlogs related to the issuance of visas for foreign seasonal workers in island areas such as Wando, Jindo, and Shinan, but also to enable the provision of on-site administrative services by visiting the islands directly.

The method of enforcing regulations against foreign labor, which has been cited as the most significant on-the-ground challenge in rural communities, will also be greatly improved. Assemblyman Park said he secured a promise from Minister of Justice Seongho Jeong to introduce a system wherein the Ministry of Justice will provide advance notice to local governments before carrying out crackdowns on illegal foreign residents.

This is a preventive measure to avoid severe labor shortages and losses caused by sudden inspections during the region's busiest periods—such as harvest or fishing seasons. The intention is to provide local governments and farmers with a minimum grace period to prepare countermeasures in advance.

On a related note, on July 18, Assemblyman Park attended an abalone promotional event organized by the Wando, Soan, and Haenam fisheries cooperatives, where he encouraged those who achieved about 30 tons (worth about KRW 700 million) in promotional sales. He also pressed ahead with regional livelihood issues as he wrapped up district party member conventions for Haenam, Wando, and Jindo.

Assemblyman Park emphasized, "To resolve the decline and aging of rural populations, close cooperation with the central government for policy and financial support is essential," adding, "I will continue to swiftly address pending regional issues going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.