Local Government Combat Allowance 20,000 Won... A Country Where Veterans Steal Side Dishes

Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Publishes Monthly Combat Allowances by Local Governments
Highest Jeju-do 220,000 KRW, Lowest Jeonbuk 20,000 KRW
"The Value of Sacrifice Should Not Vary by Region"

The 'combat allowance' paid to veterans was found to vary by up to 11 times depending on the region.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs disclosed the monthly combat allowance status of metropolitan local governments as of May 2023.

Among the 17 metropolitan local governments, Jeju paid the highest combat allowance of 220,000 KRW per month to veterans, while Jeollabuk-do paid the lowest at 20,000 KRW per month, resulting in an 11-fold difference.

On the morning of the 25th, a war veteran saluted the national flag at the '73rd Anniversary of the Korean War Ceremony' held at the Grand Hotel in Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following Jeju, the regions paying the highest combat allowances were ▲Sejong 150,000 KRW ▲Ulsan 140,000 KRW ▲Gyeongnam 120,000 KRW ▲Gwangju 104,000 KRW ▲Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Daejeon each 100,000 KRW. Regions with relatively low combat allowances along with Jeollabuk-do were ▲Gyeonggi 33,000 KRW ▲Jeonnam and Chungnam each 30,000 KRW.

The average combat allowance payment among the 17 metropolitan local governments nationwide was 92,000 KRW per month.

Compared to July 2022, one year ago, five local governments raised the combat allowance: ▲Gyeongbuk (+50,000 KRW) ▲Gangwon (+30,000 KRW) ▲Daejeon (+30,000 KRW) ▲Gyeonggi (+11,000 KRW) ▲Chungbuk (+10,000 KRW).

The criteria for paying combat allowances also differed by region.

Gwangju, Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam were found to pay combat allowances differentially based on the age of 80. In these regions, veterans under 80 receive only 50% to 78.6% of the amount paid to those aged 80 and above.

The wide disparity in combat allowances by region is because local governments pay combat allowances based on their own standards.

Currently, veterans aged 65 and older who participated in the Korean War and the Vietnam War receive a national 'honor allowance' of 390,000 KRW monthly. In addition, local governments provide additional combat allowances if the veterans meet their own criteria.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs recommended that metropolitan governments with combat allowances excessively below the average increase their payment to the average level, and that local governments that pay differentially by combat type or age abolish such differentiation as much as possible.

Minister Park Min-sik of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs pointed out, "Local government combat allowances are autonomous affairs carried out with the local government's own budget," but added, "The payment amounts vary according to regional circumstances, causing complaints of relative deprivation."

He continued, "The value of dedication to the country should not be evaluated differently by region," and said, "We will actively consult with local governments so that heroes who fought with their lives do not feel relative deprivation."

An octogenarian veteran caught stealing side dishes at a mart

On the morning of the 25th, veterans attending the 73rd anniversary event of the Korean War held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul, are saluting the national flag while wearing the "Hero's Uniform" provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs starting this year.

Meanwhile, Mr. A, an octogenarian Korean War veteran suffering from financial hardship, was caught by the police on the 7th for stealing food items worth 80,000 KRW, including sesame oil and salted seafood, seven times since April at a mart in Busan. It was investigated that he stole side dishes because he ran out of money to use immediately despite living on government support funds.

After this news became known, dozens of citizens reportedly expressed their willingness to support to the police and the Veterans Affairs Office. The Busan Veterans Affairs Office also stated that they are reviewing support measures after visiting Mr. A's home together with staff from the local administrative welfare center.

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