Veterans minister vows to end ‘3 generations suffer’ legacy for independence fighters’ families

“Expanded support for descendants of independence fighters has emerged as one of the signature veterans initiatives of President Lee Jae Myung's first year in office. Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul said Thursday the government is seeking to strengthen support for groups that have long remained outside Korea’s veterans welfare system. Speaking at a luncheon meeting with reporters, Kwon cited a recent revision of the Independence Patriots Act as one of the ministry's most significant accomplishments over the past year. The amendment, passed by the National Assembly in April, expands compensation eligibility to grandchildren of independence fighters regardless of whether the independence fighter died before or after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Beginning next year, about 2,300 additional descendants are expected to receive benefits. “For years, people have said that if you joined the independence movement, three generations of your family would suffer,” Kwon said. “Now we should be able to say that three generations will be rewarded.” The phrase has long re

Summary generated from the RSS feed of Korea Times Southkorea. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on www.koreatimes.co.kr.