The Seoul Citizens' Audit Ombudsman Committee on the 26th recommended improving some districts' enforcement rules that include the requirement for those running for tongjang to "obtain recommendations from two banjang or 10 residents."
According to the Seoul city government, a resident in one district, identified as A, learned of such enforcement rules when trying to apply after seeing a recruitment notice for tongjang. A then asked the community center for the contact information of two banjang. But the response was, "We cannot provide it to protect personal information." A left a contact number with the community center and waited for a call, but that did not help either.
After facing these hurdles to run for tongjang, A filed a grievance with the committee, saying the current enforcement rules are excessive.
The committee accepted A's complaint and recommended that the district revise its local government ordinance. It determined that, in a situation where personal information protection is emphasized, demanding an excessive number of recommenders could become a barrier to entry for newcomers.
In addition, the committee conveyed the same recommendation to four other districts that have similar local government ordinances, beyond the district where A's residence is located.
Cho Deok-hyeon, Chairperson of the Seoul Citizens' Audit Ombudsman Committee, said, "We will identify tasks to improve systems through grievance investigations and continue to enhance citizens' rights and interests."