Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Hosts "Healing Concert" for Rare Disease Patients: Provincial Councilor Moon Seung-ho Pledges "No One Will Face This Alone"

A healing concert for rare disease patients and their families was held in the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Main Conference Hall on the 24th.

The event, themed "Today's Fulfillment, Special Days Together," drew approximately 150 rare disease patients and family members. The program included a heart healing lecture by Professor Lee Ho-seon, moderated by comedian Sohn Heon-su, a performance by traditional musician Mo Seon-mi, and a magic show by Magic Palace.

Artwork from participants in the art therapy self-help program "Time to Care for Myself Through Art, Art Sanctuary," which was introduced for the first time this year, was also displayed.

Moon Seung-ho, Vice Chairperson of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Health and Welfare Committee (Democratic Party, Seongnam District 1), who attended the event, offered encouragement to patients and their families while expressing his commitment to ensuring stable psychological and emotional support.

Councilor Moon stated, "For rare disease patients and their families, an ordinary daily life may be a more earnest wish than for anyone else," adding, "I express my respect and encouragement to those who have endured long periods of treatment and care."

Gyeonggi Province, in the spirit of sharing the emotional difficulties of rare disease patients and their families, allocated a budget of 50 million won—the first among local governments nationwide in 2025—and entrusted the support project to Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center. This concert was held as part of those efforts.

Calls for the continuation and expansion of the project were heard at the venue. When Jung Jin-hyang, Secretary-General of the Korean Rare and Intractable Disease Alliance, expressed concern that "related budgets might disappear amid difficult financial circumstances," Councilor Moon responded, "The assembly will take an interest and lend support to ensure that necessary assistance for patients and families does not halt."

Councilor Moon warmly greeted a student living with Crohn's disease who dreams of becoming a national swimming representative, offering encouragement for their challenges. The student's father said, "We heard about an event for rare disease patients in Gyeonggi Province and came in person," adding, "It was a great comfort, and I hope that other local governments will also hold similar events and provide support."

Councilor Moon concluded, "What makes your lives special is not because of rare diseases, but because each of you is a precious and unique existence in this world. I hope the warm memories shared today will give strength to the daily lives of patients and families, and I am committed to developing the necessary support and systems so that no one bears their difficulties alone."