Yangcheon-gu '3 Major Military Service Distinguished Families' Kim Gyoheon Awarded Commendation

On the 25th, a Veterans' Family Festival Honoring the Sacrifice and Dedication of Meritorious Persons Held for the Month of Patriots and Veterans
Awarding Commendations to Exemplary National Meritorious Persons, Tribute Performances at Talk Concerts, and More to Honor Contributions
Last Year, Age and Overlap Restrictions on Veterans' Benefits Removed to Promote Pride and Welfare Improvement

Yangcheon-gu (District Mayor Lee Gi-jae) will hold the ‘Veterans Family Festival’ event on the 25th at Haenuri Hall in Haenuri Town, inviting veterans and their families in honor of June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans.

The district organized this event to remember the sacrifices and contributions of those who dedicated themselves to the nation and to express gratitude. Approximately 300 members from 10 veterans (security) organizations, including the 6.25 War Veterans Association, will participate. The event will include an award ceremony for exemplary veterans and a consolation performance in the form of a talk concert.

In particular, the story of the ‘Byungyeok Myeongmun-ga’ (Distinguished Military Service Family) from the family of Kim Gyo-heon (71), a recipient of the exemplary veteran award and a member of the Bereaved Families of War Veterans Association, draws attention. Kim Gyo-heon’s father was a veteran who served in the 3rd Infantry Division’s Baekgol Unit as a graduate of the 5th class of the Korea Military Academy and died in the Hoengseong Battle in Gangwon Province during the Korean War. Kim Gyo-heon was also assigned to the Baekgol Unit where his father served, experiencing the special circumstance of serving in the same unit across two generations. Furthermore, all three generations of Kim’s family have faithfully completed active military service, and in 2013, they were selected as a ‘Byungyeok Myeongmun-ga’ by the Military Manpower Administration. Currently, Kim is leading efforts to promote unity among members for the development of the Yangcheon-gu Bereaved Families of War Veterans Association.

Additionally, in line with the purpose of the Month of Patriots and Veterans, the event will feature a story-type talk concert and consolation performances. The host and performers will joyfully share veterans’ stories through songs and narratives, providing a moving and entertaining experience for the veterans and their families who sacrificed and contributed to the nation.

The district has been committed to enhancing the pride and welfare of national veterans by abolishing age and duplication restrictions last year in the ‘Ordinance on the Treatment and Support of National Veterans and War Veterans in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.’ This expanded benefits to national veterans under 65 years old and recipients of Seoul’s War Veteran Honor Allowance.

Moreover, the district has been making continuous improvements to the system, such as raising the veterans’ honor allowance from 20,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW per month, ensuring better treatment for national veterans.

Lee Gi-jae, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, stated, “Today’s Republic of Korea exists because of the national veterans who dedicated themselves to the country,” and added, “We will continue to strive to improve the welfare and treatment of national veterans.”