"12.7 Billion Won Could Be Cut to Zero"... Why an Artist Broke Down in Tears

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Artist Seo Eunhye, who became known for appearing in the drama "Our Blues," broke down in tears during an appearance on YouTube. She had learned that 30 fellow artists could lose their jobs if Gyeonggi Province cuts its budget for public employment for people with disabilities.

On October 23, a short video titled "Eunhye's Tears: Thinking That 30 Fellow Artists Will Be Laid Off..." was posted on Seo Eunhye's YouTube channel, "Nieolgul_Eunhye-ssi." The video shows Seo crying after hearing that Gyeonggi Province's 2027 budget for its rights-centered public employment program could be cut in full, from the existing 12.7 billion won to zero.

Writer Seo Eunhye is in tears after hearing that Gyeonggi Province's 2027 public employment budget has been cut. Screenshot from the YouTube channel "Nieolgul_Eunhye-ssi."

Unable to speak properly at the thought that her fellow artists, with whom she had worked while painting, might no longer be able to continue their creative work and receive wages, Seo repeatedly wiped away her tears. "We were all doing artwork as part of our jobs and getting paid for it, but now we can't do that. My husband is also painting," she said through tears. She continued, "I'll be okay. When customers come, I still have to sign things," but added, "I can't do it without my colleagues. I feel suffocated without the artists." Seo said, "I never said I would quit either. But we have to keep going," expressing her determination to continue working alongside her colleagues.

Gyeonggi Province may not allocate any funding next year for its "Gyeonggi-Style Rights-Centered Public Employment Program Tailored to People with Severe Disabilities," citing factors including worsening fiscal conditions.

This year, 880 people with the most severe disabilities are working through the program in Gyeonggi Province. Because the program is funded entirely by Gyeonggi Province's own budget, without national government support, a full cut to next year's budget could halt the program and eliminate participants' jobs.

Viewers who watched the video responded with comments such as, "It's absurd that 12.7 billion won can become zero won," and "This is so heartbreaking."

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