Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul on Wednesday met with leaders of the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD) to discuss South Korea’s disability deinstitutionalization policy, calling for deeper conversations to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable.
The meeting took place at the archbishop’s reception room in Myeongdong and was initiated by the prelate following recent protests led by SADD, including a high-altitude demonstration on the bell tower of Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church in April.
The group demanded that the state uphold the right of persons with disabilities to live outside institutions.
“I take your cries seriously, knowing the pain and resolve it must have taken to continue your protest from the bell tower of Hyehwa-dong Church,” said Archbishop Chung.
“Whatever the reasons, I prayed that those protesting in such dangerous conditions would come down safely. I am relieved that the court dismissed the request for their arrest,” he added.
Two SADD activists were subject to arrest warrants following the protest, but the court rejected them. Archbishop Chung submitted a petition on May 5 asking the court for leniency.
Park Kyung-seok, Permanent Co-Representative of SADD, said the meeting marked his fourth visit. “We tried to resolve things through dialogue with the bishops’ conference, but that did not materialize, which prolonged the protest. I hope today’s meeting gives us strength,” he said.
While expressing support for the principle of deinstitutionalization, Archbishop Chung cautioned against blanket implementation that could put severely disabled individuals at risk.
“I agree with the idea that people with disabilities should live within the community, and I support the effort to enhance their rights through deinstitutionalization,” he said.
He emphasized the need for safeguards when implementing deinstitutionalization, particularly for individuals with severe developmental disabilities who lack family or support systems, noting that any transition should take into account their needs and preferences as well as those of their families.
“A fully enforced and sweeping deinstitutionalization policy could endanger the lives and safety of some individuals,” he added, stressing the need for “deeper, sustained dialogue.”
SADD representatives Park Kyung-in and Park Cho-hyun shared personal accounts of their time in Catholic-run facilities through letters they read aloud and handed directly to the archbishop.
Archbishop Chung has previously met with SADD leaders in September 2022, and in February and November 2023, to discuss mobility rights and community-based living.
The Archdiocese has emphasized ongoing communication and engagement with the disability rights movement.
