hankyoreh

2004.

It has been revealed that of the 14.1 billion Won in subsidies for social groups to be provided by the 25 district offices of Seoul City this year, about half, 7 billion won, will go to three major government-initiated community development project groups and 10 veterans groups, including the conservative right-wing Korea Freedom Federation and the Korea Veterans Association, respectively. In particular, criticism has been sparked over improving the screening and evaluation processes for grants to social groups as it has been made known that district offices are paying the management costs of these groups or giving subsidies for unclear projects.

The Hankyoreh petitioned Seoul’s 25 district offices for the release of information on social group subsidies, and materials received on Monday show that the total grant amount comes to 14.17 billion won. Almost 35 percent or 4.98 billion won is going to three large government-initiated community development project groups, the Korea Freedom Federation (anti-communist league founded in 1954), the Society for a Better Tomorrow (nationwide spiritual movement founded in 1989), and Saemaul Undong (rural development movement founded in 1971) groups. These groups receive support from the national and local governments in accordance with the so-called “Big Three Support Laws,” including the ‘Korea Freedom Federation Support Law’ enacted in 1989.

Almost 14.5 percent of the total subsidies, or 2.05 billion Won, is being distributed among 10 veterans’ groups, including the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, the Korea Military Merit Awardees Association and special mission units (HID). These groups receive support from the Ministry of Patriots’ and Veterans’ Affairs.

On the other hand, grassroots organizations or progressive civic and social groups will receive a combined total of 86.8 million Won or less than 1 percent of the total subsidy amount being awarded.

In accordance with law, local governments can provide subsidies to social groups in order to encourage particular projects, but there is growing criticism that current spending is excessively biased. In the case of the Seocho district office, some 360 million Won, or 70 percent of its total 517 million Won in subsidies, have been granted to the big three government groups and seven veterans groups.

Choe In-uk, a budget watch bureau director with Action.or.kr, says government and conservative groups are getting subsidized for unclear projects like engaging in campaigns “to keep law and order.” He said since subsidies from local governments were comprised of tax-payers’ money, they need to be limited to projects where there is a clear public interest and support diverse autonomous civic activities.

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