On the 27th, marking the 11th West Sea Defense Day, President Lee Jae-myung said, "It is rightful and only natural for the state to take responsibility to the end for the lives of those who were injured while defending the country," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that bereaved families, who had to endure the pain of 'daeanjang (断腸),' do not also have to shoulder worries about making a living."
At the commemoration ceremony for West Sea Defense Day held at the Daejeon National Cemetery that day, Lee said, "We must never forget that the freedom, peace, and prosperity we enjoy today are grounded in special sacrifices made for the community."
He continued, "If we do not properly honor those who bore such noble devotion, who will step forward for the nation in the future?" adding, "The popular sovereignty government is working to fulfill the principle of 'special compensation for special sacrifice' by thoroughly filling any gaps in veterans' benefits."
Lee said, "Starting in May this year, spouses of war veterans facing financial hardship will receive monthly livelihood support payments," adding, "By 2030, we will expand designated veterans' medical institutions to 2,000 nationwide so that national merit awardees can conveniently receive treatment at nearby hospitals at any time."
He also said, "The more that time spent in military service is recognized in society as a legitimate asset, the more 'citizens in uniform' will be able to serve with pride," adding, "In the public sector, when calculating the pay grade or wages of discharged soldiers, we have mandated that their compulsory service period be included in their work experience."
He again emphasized a Korean Peninsula peace framework. Lee said, "We must transform the sea they defended with their lives from a 'boundary of disputes and conflicts' into a 'foundation of peace and prosperity,'" adding, "Peace is food, and peace is people's livelihoods. Firm peace is the most precious national defense and veterans' honor." He went on, "A state in which there is no need to fight—peace—is difficult, but it is the surest security."
West Sea Defense Day is observed on the fourth Friday of March each year as a government commemoration to remember and mourn the "55 West Sea Defense heroes" who died in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong on June 29, 2002, when North Korea provoked in waters near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea; the sinking of the Cheonan on Mar. 26, 2010; and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island on Mar. 26, 2010.