Korea’s hole-filled welfare system

Posted on : 2014-03-04 17:12 KST Modified on : 2014-03-04 17:12 KST

On Feb. 26, a mother and her two daughters in Seoul’s Songpa district were found after committing suicide together by carbon dioxide poisoning. They were found by their landlord with a note apologizing, and 700,000 won (about US$650) for their outstanding rent and utility costs. Due to illness, the two daughters, both in their 30s, were unable to work and had bad credit ratings. Their mother, aged in her 60s, worked at a restaurant to support them, but was no longer able to work after sustaining an injury. The family’s cat also died.

 

This cartoon depicts the family huddled around a charcoal briquette with the mother saying, “I’m sorry we’re poor”. On the light post is a poster or President Park Geun-hye who had promised economic democratization and other measures to help poor families. (by Jang Bong-koon)

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