On September 9, Korea University (KU) has made a step to help the disabled to get a job. On this day, the president of KU, Kim Byung Chul, and the chairman of Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled (KEAD), Lee Sung-Kyu, made a contract to set up a subsidiary company which will be dedicated to increase jobs for the incapacitated people.

▲ Photograph provided by KU Communications team. KU President Kim Byung Chul and members of Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled (KEAD).

In Korea, there are special laws that state that if an institution decides to set up a subsidiary company to hire disabled people, KEAD has to do its best to help lead the subsidiaries to its best capacities. With the subsidiary company, KU has announced that it will focus intently on increasing the number of jobs rather than to diversify the different workplaces for the people.

At the treaty convention, Kim said, “We will try our best to not only increase employment, but also increase independence of the disabled people. We will actively support and sponsor anyone who wish to join us.” In addition, this was a chance to show how the university could contribute to making a better society and that KU and associates could prove to be role models in leading the society. Lee also said, “With the new subsidiary company being set up, the KEAD will do its best to increase the capacity of the new company.”

So far, there are about a total of 66 companies, such as Pohang Iron & Steel Company Limited (Posco), LG and Samsung, that have made contracts to set up subsidiary companies. Out of these companies, about 30 companies have hired a total of 1,171 disabled people. Like these companies have demonstrated, KU will also strive to embrace the minorities and make the society a better place.