Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul speaks during a policy briefing with reporters covering the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs at the Defense Convention Center in Yongsan, Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

Expanded support for descendants of independence fighters has emerged as one of the signature veterans initiatives of President Lee Jae Myung's first year in office.

Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul said Thursday the government is seeking to strengthen support for groups that have long remained outside Korea’s veterans welfare system.

Speaking at a luncheon meeting with reporters, Kwon cited a recent revision of the Independence Patriots Act as one of the ministry's most significant accomplishments over the past year.

The amendment, passed by the National Assembly in April, expands compensation eligibility to grandchildren of independence fighters regardless of whether the independence fighter died before or after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Beginning next year, about 2,300 additional descendants are expected to receive benefits.

“For years, people have said that if you joined the independence movement, three generations of your family would suffer,” Kwon said. “Now we should be able to say that three generations will be rewarded.”

The phrase has long reflected a perception that many families of independence fighters endured decades of financial hardship while receiving limited recognition from the state after liberation.

Kwon said the revised law would help change that perception by ensuring that the government continues to support descendants of those who sacrificed for the country's independence.

The minister also highlighted a newly introduced livelihood support program for surviving spouses of Korean War (1950-53) and Vietnam War veterans.

Since March, the government has provided a monthly stipend of 150,000 won ($99.7) to approximately 17,000 surviving spouses aged 80 or older whose household income falls below 50 percent of the national median.

Source: Korea Times News