5·18 Martial Law Troops' Deaths to Be Reclassified as 'Line-of-Duty Deaths'

Published 15 Oct.2020 15:52(KST)

Updated 19 Aug.2025 23:56(KST)

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Rep. Min Hyung-bae Questions at Audit... Park Sam-deuk, Director of Veterans Affairs, Responds "I Will Change It"

5·18 Martial Law Troops' Deaths to Be Reclassified as 'Line-of-Duty Deaths'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The classification of the 5·18 martial law soldiers who were recorded as ‘war casualties’ will be changed to ‘duty-related deaths.’

On the 15th, Min Hyung-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangsan District B in Gwangju, revealed that during the National Veterans Affairs Office audit, Director Park Sam-deuk responded that the classification of 22 military personnel who died during the 5·18 incident should be changed from ‘war casualties’ to ‘duty-related deaths.’

Currently, 22 martial law soldiers classified as ‘war casualties’ are buried at the National Seoul National Cemetery, and their tombstones are inscribed with ‘Killed in action in Gwangju.’

Until now, the Veterans Affairs Office has maintained the position that ‘the reclassification of war casualties to duty-related deaths falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense, limiting the role of the Veterans Affairs Office.’

Rep. Min stated, “The May 18 Democratic Movement was not a war, yet the deceased are classified as ‘war casualties,’ which reflects the perspective and value system regarding Gwangju in May 1980. The honors and compensations for duty-related deaths and war casualties do not differ, so the failure of the Veterans Affairs Office and the Ministry of National Defense to change this classification constitutes neglect of duty.”

He also emphasized, “Failure to resolve this issue could affect public trust in the government, so the Director of the Veterans Affairs Office should meet directly with the Minister of National Defense to resolve it.”

In response, Director Park said, “I feel sorry and regretful,” and added, “Since this is a matter that has been historically and legally settled, we will resolve it.”