'Down syndrome artist' Seo Eun-hye breaks down in tears over colleagues' dismissal crisis: "Budget cut to zero... I can't breathe"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Seo Eun-hye, an artist and actress with Down syndrome (formerly known as Jeong Eun-hye), shed tears over the threat of dismissal facing her fellow artists.

On the 23rd, a video was posted on Seo Eun-hye's social media platform accompanied by the caption: "Eun-hye's tears 'Thinking about 30 fellow artists being dismissed...' #GyeonggiProvince #Rights-CenteredPublicJobs #BudgetCut #SevereDisability #Dismissal."

In the released video, Seo Eun-hye burst into sobs upon learning that the Gyeonggi Province budget for rights-centered public jobs in 2027 had been cut from the previous 12.7 billion won to zero.

Seo Eun-hye said, "We were all doing painting work at our jobs and receiving salaries, but now we can't do it anymore," struggling to continue speaking. She then added, "My brother is also drawing," unable to stop her tears.

In particular, while stating, "I am fine. I have to sign autographs when guests come over," Seo Eun-hye choked up, saying, "I can't do it without my colleagues. I feel suffocated without the artists."

She further expressed her determination to continue painting by saying, "I have never said that I would quit or take a break. Even so, I must keep doing it."

The rights-centered public jobs program, in which Seo Eun-hye has participated, is an initiative that supports individuals with severe disabilities in participating in labor and receiving wages through cultural and artistic activities as well as disability awareness improvement activities.

However, with next year's budget facing complete cuts, concerns are growing over the job security of the artists who have been participating in the program.

Meanwhile, Seo Eun-hye gained recognition for her role as Lee Young-hee, the twin sister of Lee Young-ok played by Han Jimin, in the tvN drama "Our Blues," which aired in 2022.

Additionally, she married Mr. Cho Yeong-nam, whom she met at a public job program for people with developmental disabilities, in May of last year.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original