Sejong, South Chungcheong Face Delays in Launching Housing Lease Scam Victim Support Centers

Although a law to aid victims of housing lease scams has been implemented, victims in Sejong and South Chungcheong are struggling to receive timely assistance due to delays in opening the dedicated support centers. While Daejeon City has already opened its center, offering 'one-stop services' including victim consultations and financial and legal advice, neighboring regions are lagging behind. This delay leaves those in need of support in a blind spot, creating disparities in the aid received based on residential location.

Sejong City and South Chungcheong Province are experiencing delays in establishing 'Jeonse' (housing lease deposit) Victim Support Centers due to budget and staffing issues. Sejong City is currently operating only a 'consultation desk' in an annex office, while South Chungcheong Province's center establishment is postponed due to difficulties in securing funding. Although ordinances have been passed in these areas, actual center operations will take time.

Despite over 500 victims of housing lease scams in the Sejong and South Chungcheong regions without dedicated centers, linking them to emergency housing support and other services is proving difficult. Some victims are seeking assistance from Daejeon's center, but their efforts are limited by the varying support policies among local governments. Criticisms have emerged that the central government cannot compel local authorities to establish centers, leading to a blind spot where victims face discrimination in aid based on where they live.