Suwon to Open Jeonse Damage Consultation Center on 19th

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] A one-stop consultation window for victims of "jeonse fraud suspicions" opened at Suwon Metropolitan City Hall on the 19th.

The city opened the 'Suwon Jeonse Damage Consultation Center' in the integrated civil affairs office on the first floor of the main building of Suwon City Hall from 9 a.m. that day and began providing counseling for citizens at risk of damage.

On the opening day, the consultation center saw a steady stream of victims. Young people in their 20s and newlywed couples, primarily young professionals, made up the majority. Even those experiencing issues with landlords, regardless of whether they were related to buildings owned by the problematic family, came early to receive counseling. As of 3 p.m. on the opening day, there were 8 on-site consultations and 3 phone inquiries and consultations.

Three experts—a lawyer, legal expert, and certified real estate agent—provided customized legal counseling tailored to each victim's situation at the consultation center. The lawyer provided detailed guidance on legal procedures and requirements, including deposit refund lawsuits, damages claims, and civil and criminal lawsuits. The legal expert explained procedures for tenant lien registration orders, payment orders, and foreclosure and public auctions, outlining methods for damage recovery. Additionally, the certified real estate agent reviewed rental agreements to determine whether a victim could be eligible and helped them understand matters such as claim rights and preferential repayment rights.

The Suwon Jeonse Damage Consultation Center opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Applications for jeonse fraud victim determination are available from 9 a.m., and expert legal counseling is available from 10 a.m. The center remains open until 1 p.m. on Saturdays to accommodate victims who find it difficult to receive counseling due to work commitments.

Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun visited the consultation center in the afternoon, encouraging staff and urging them to listen to the voices of victims. He then promised to establish comprehensive measures including support and prevention plans tailored to Suwon's circumstances, as well as proposals for institutional improvements. The city also plans to establish ordinances to expand its own support. In particular, the plan is to specifically develop recurrence prevention measures and victim support plans for jeonse fraud cases and propose institutional improvements to the central government.

Mayor Lee said, "Though modest, the City of Suwon will provide maximum support in matters we can address, and we will do our best to help victims find residential stability as soon as possible."