Kim Byung-gi "Is going to the military a title? Above all, it is a precious and valuable title"

Kim Byung-gi to Propose Military Service Member Honor Act

Kim Byung-gi, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 26th, Kim Byung-gi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that he plans to propose a legislative bill within this week to honor military service members as national merit recipients.

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, Rep. Kim stated, "I will propose a bill to honor military service members as 'Defense Meritorious Persons' and ensure its passage. Those who have dedicated themselves to the nation will be held accountable by the state."

He continued, "I am confident that honoring Defense Meritorious Persons will not be unconstitutional, just like the honors given to other existing meritorious persons," and emphasized, "Although it may not reach the level of existing national merit recipients, we will provide proper honors befitting Defense 'Meritorious Persons' in areas such as employment, housing subscription, and social reintegration."

He remarked, "Is there any other country where honoring military service members who have devoted their prime years solely to the nation causes such controversy?" and criticized, "If we belittle others' sacrifices, our own lives become belittled."

Furthermore, Rep. Kim said, "When we suggest strengthening honors for discharged soldiers, there are always people who sarcastically ask, 'Is going to the military a privilege?'" and stressed, "Going to the military is indeed a privilege. It is a precious and valuable privilege above all others."

He added, "If a war breaks out now, more than one million active-duty and discharged soldiers will have to go to the front lines to save our lives, including those who mock us," and urged, "Let us never forget that we live peacefully at the risk of soldiers' lives, who do not know when they might die. Even if you cannot respect them, do not insult them."

He also criticized the Ministry of Strategy and Finance's directive not to include military service periods in promotions at public institutions, saying, "What does including military service periods in promotion periods have to do with gender discrimination? Do female soldiers not receive additional points?"

He continued, "Recognizing military service periods is not a matter of gender discrimination but a distinction between those who have served and those who have not. If we do not make this distinction, wouldn't that be discrimination against those who have served?" and sharply stated, "Is going to the military such a great crime that it is openly disregarded?"

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