Minister Kang Jeong-ae: "Rationalization of the National Merit Compensation System"

At the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister's Inauguration Ceremony: "Patriotism is the Future of the Republic of Korea"

Kang Jeong-ae, the newly appointed Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, stated, "Honoring those who have dedicated themselves to the nation and inheriting the spirit of patriotism to promote the nation's sustainable development is the future of the Republic of Korea and a century-long plan."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the inauguration ceremony held on the 26th at the Government Complex Sejong, Minister Kang said, "Patriotic affairs must go beyond compensation for past sacrifices and dedication, and establish themselves as a core value that forms the spiritual foundation of the Republic of Korea and leads a sustainable future."

He added, "My father participated in the Korean War and received a military merit medal, and my in-laws' family devoted themselves to the independence movement," and said, "I believe my appointment as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs means that I should carry out administration representing the voices of patriotic families based on various considerations and experiences regarding patriotic affairs." He also stated, "We will rationalize the compensation system for national merit recipients and significantly improve the quality of compensation and support," and "We will strengthen the state's responsibility for the dedication of merit recipients."

Minister Kang further mentioned that he will expand the medical infrastructure of veterans hospitals, promote a culture of respect for uniformed personnel, and strive to ensure that all citizens naturally encounter the culture of patriotism in their daily lives so that awareness of patriotic affairs spreads throughout society.

Minister Kang's father is the late Kang Gap-shin, a Korean War veteran who received the Hwarang Military Merit Medal, and his great-grandfather, Kwon Jun (1895?1959), known by the pen name Baek In, played a key role in managing operational funds and other activities as a founding member of the Uiyeoldan alongside Kim Won-bong during the Japanese colonial period.

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