‘Why Has Welfare Relied Solely on Goodwill?’: Council Head Kim Hyun-hoon Poses a Question

As Dong-A Ilbo, we believe that addressing the fundamental issues within our social welfare system requires a deep examination of its underlying structures. Our interview with Kim Hyun-hoon, the president of the Korea Social Welfare Council, reveals a critical diagnosis: the pervasive 'distrust' that hinders efficiency and genuine human connection. Kim's proposed 'New Welfare 5.0' movement is not just another policy adjustment; it's a call to transform welfare into a societal 'culture,' moving beyond mere regulations and procedures. This perspective is vital because, from a Korean standpoint, welfare is intrinsically about human relationships and community support, not just government handouts. The current system, heavily reliant on 'goodwill' and burdened by excessive documentation, fails to adequately support the 1 million welfare professionals who are themselves facing burnout. The emphasis on 'proving' rather than 'doing' detracts from the core mission of caring for people. Our coverage highlights the need for a paradigm shift – from a system that waits for applications to one that proactively reaches out, exemplified by initiatives like 'Just Give' (그냥드림). This proactive, trust-based approach is what truly embodies the spirit of Korean welfare, focusing on connection and mutual support, which often gets overlooked in international comparisons that focus solely on funding or policy frameworks.

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Welfare has been an area that has endured on goodwill.