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| ▲ Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul speaks during a press conference in Seoul on Sept. 3, 2025, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
veterans minister-policy
Minister vows to build 5-yr policy road map to strengthen compensation for veterans
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul on Wednesday vowed to draw up a five-year policy plan aimed at increasing compensation and support for patriots and people of merit.
The remark by Kwon, who took office in July, came as the Lee Jae Myung government has pledged to provide proper compensation and honor those who sacrificed themselves to protect the nation.
"I plan to establish a five-year state veterans policy plan by the end of the year, and report it to the president and members of the Cabinet," Kwon said in a press conference.
"If veterans policies are conducted and complemented based on a manual, it would be almost complete by the time President Lee's term ends."
Under the plan, Kwon said he aims to realistically increase the amount of compensation for patriots and people of merit, especially for those who sacrificed themselves for the independence movement during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, as well as their descendants.
The minister also floated the idea of expanding the scope of people of merit to those who contributed in enhancing the stature of the country, citing Olympic medalists and winners of renowned international music competitions as a possible example.
"There are many people who have devoted themselves for our society and our nation. Given that the number of veterans and their families will decline unless a war breaks out, I feel that we need to honor those who have made contributions," Kwon said.
The veterans ministry has proposed a 6.6 trillion-won (US$4.7 billion) budget for next year, up 3.3 percent from this year, in the budget plan submitted to the National Assembly.
If approved, the ministry plans to allocate the increased budget for compensations for independence activists and their surviving spouses as well as expanded medical services for people of merit.
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