10 Surviving Soldiers of Cheonan Ship Recognized as National Merit Recipients

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] It has been confirmed that 10 of the surviving soldiers from the Cheonan ship that was attacked on March 26, 2010, have been recognized as national merit recipients.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 26th, "Among the 58 surviving soldiers who experienced the Cheonan ship attack incident, 33 have been discharged," adding, "Among the discharged, 23 applied for registration as national merit recipients, and 10 were recognized as such."

Only discharged soldiers can apply for national merit registration. Currently, reviews for two individuals are underway.

The Ministry explained, "The remaining surviving soldiers have minor injuries and thus have not been recognized as national merit recipients," adding, "We are providing possible support such as medical care and employment, and are preparing various support measures."

The Ministry also added that the National Merit Act was amended to allow the state to register individuals as national merit recipients ex officio if there are no direct family members to apply on their behalf.

National merit recipients among the surviving soldiers receive benefits such as veterans' allowances.

The Ministry stated, "So far, we have been providing national funding for medical expenses at veterans' hospitals, psychological support and rehabilitation services through clinical experts, and preferential employment for national merit recipients."

They emphasized, "We will promote livelihood stabilization including employment support through special support projects via the Veterans Support Center."

A Ministry official said, "We will make further efforts to ensure that there is no neglect in honoring the Cheonan ship surviving soldiers and others who sacrificed and contributed to the nation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.