The People Power Party noted on the 27th that it would promote a legal revision to strengthen support for veterans, including a full expansion of veterans' consignment hospitals and the establishment of a new living support fund of '100,000 won' for the spouses of veterans.
Chairperson Kwon Young-se said at a meeting of the emergency response committee held at the National Assembly on that day, “I heard the very unfortunate news that eight soldiers who participated in the First Yeonpyeong Naval Battle were not recognized as national veterans. Despite our military achieving an overwhelming victory against enemy provocation, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs did not honor these heroes, trapped in the administrative interpretations. This must be urgently corrected.”
He continued, “The People Power Party will uphold the value of veterans' affairs through action, not just words,” adding that “we will amend the law to diversify the criteria for recognizing national veterans and ensure that the achievements of heroes are more fairly reflected.”
Chairperson Kwon said, “Until now, treatment has only been possible at certain consignment hospitals designated by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency that requires visits to hospitals far away. Therefore, we will fully expand the consignment hospitals to primary treatment institutions, allowing access at approximately 57,237 clinics nationwide. We will also establish a living support fund for the spouses of veterans so that surviving family members can receive a monthly support of 100,000 won even after the veteran's death.”
He added, “We will strengthen tailored support so that those who dedicated their lives to the country and their families do not suffer from inadequate treatment and difficulties in making a living.”
Chairperson Kwon emphasized, “Remembering whose blood has protected the Republic of Korea and reflecting on what we must do as the living is the dignity of the nation and our duty for the future,” stating, “We will work to ensure that society eternally remembers the names of heroes and strive to build a stronger defense, a more robust veterans' system, and a more just nation.”