Jeju disability facility to close amid abuse allegations; guardians demand public operation

A private residential facility for people with disabilities in Jeju, embroiled in controversy over abuse and human rights violations, is set to close its doors after a three-year grace period. The Jeju City government has announced plans to temporarily operate the facility for three months to assist the remaining 13 residents in finding new accommodations.

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Today, Jeju City is ultimately trying to close 'Sarangui Jip.' Our children are residents here, but we only learned about this two days ago through the media.

However, guardians of the residents are protesting this decision, demanding that the city take direct responsibility for operating the facility. They argue that the three-year grace period, granted after the city issued a facility closure order in July 2023 following four reported abuse incidents, has been a wasted opportunity. Out of 37 residents, only 24 have moved to other facilities or homes, leaving 13 still in need of placement.

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What were the past three years for? Weren't they meant for safely protecting the disabled, normalizing the foundation, punishing those responsible, and preparing a new operating entity?

Guardians expressed frustration, questioning the purpose of the grace period if it did not lead to normalization, protection of residents, punishment of responsible parties, or the establishment of a new operating entity. They accuse the city of failing to address the issues and now seeking to displace vulnerable individuals. The city's plan to appoint a temporary operator from the existing foundation's board is also met with strong opposition, as guardians believe it is not a fundamental solution.

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Our children are severely disabled and extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Some have returned after failing to adapt to other facilities, some were rejected, and one was hospitalized in intensive care due to a brain hemorrhage.

They are calling for the dissolution of the operating foundation, citing years of alleged neglect and embezzlement of resident funds. Guardians insist that the facility, "Sarangui Jip" (House of Love), should be publicly reclaimed and managed. They propose appointing a government-appointed director during the temporary operation period until a public takeover can be arranged. The Jeju provincial government stated that while human rights violations were confirmed, they did not meet the legal threshold for dissolving the social welfare corporation, and they cannot force the sale of the facility.

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We cannot ask a social welfare corporation with private property rights to 'sell the facility to us.' We will strive to ensure all residents can be safely transferred during the temporary operation period.