[Interview] Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, "Honoring Every Last Hero Who Created Human Rights, Freedom, and Prosperity in Korea with the Highest Respect"

Reducing Unnecessary Budgets to Strengthen Support Policies for Veterans and Merit Recipients...Veterans Allowance Increased from 50,000 to 100,000 KRW per Month, 6·25 War Participants Receive 300,000 KRW Annually...Ordinance Revised to Provide Funeral Directors and Other Support to Families of National Merit Recipients

"The freedom and prosperity we enjoy today exist because of the sacrifices made by the patriotic heroes who gave their lives to protect our country. We will steadfastly uphold the values of liberal democracy that they sought to defend."

In an interview with this publication, Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "We must remember those who dedicated and sacrificed themselves for the Republic of Korea," expressing his commitment to implementing veterans' policies that provide appropriate budgets and administrative support with deep respect and gratitude for those who have served the nation and society.

Veterans' affairs are the top priority of the Songpa District's 8th-term administration. Mayor Seo has made expanding support for national veterans alongside assistance for socially vulnerable groups his first approval matter after taking office, establishing respect and consideration for national merit recipients as a fundamental philosophy of district governance.

Accordingly, since taking office, Mayor Seo has cut unnecessary or unclear budgets and reallocated them to welfare budgets for veterans and merit recipients, making utmost efforts to show boundless respect and honor to those who sacrificed for the country while implementing various veterans' projects.

Mayor Seo emphasized once again, "We all live on the precious sacrifices and dedication of those who came before us," adding, "Therefore, administration must prioritize care for socially marginalized groups and those who have contributed to building our society throughout its development."

Last year, the district installed the largest Taegeukgi (Korean national flag) in Seoul at the Garak Market intersection and introduced a condolence payment system for Korean War veterans, focusing all efforts on expanding support for veterans and merit recipients.

In October 2022, the veterans' allowance was significantly increased from 50,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW per month, the highest level among autonomous districts. Additionally, the ordinance was amended to allow overlapping support even if recipients receive the Seoul City veterans' allowance. As a result, the number of beneficiaries increased substantially from about 3,010 to 6,000. This year, the number of national veterans in Songpa District reaches 6,600.

Songpa District is home to 8,076 veterans' families, including descendants of independence patriots and Korean War veterans, the largest scale among Seoul's autonomous districts. Mayor Seo said, "Honoring the previous generations who dedicated themselves to the Republic of Korea is my conviction," adding, "Especially since many veterans are elderly, we plan to strengthen veterans' welfare throughout their lives, including support for their old age and funerals." This reflects Mayor Seo's determination to provide the highest respect to national veterans until the end of their lives.

Moreover, the district established the "Korean War Veterans Condolence Payment System," providing an annual payment of 300,000 KRW to Korean War veterans who have resided in Songpa District for more than one year as of June 25 each year. Mayor Seo explained the background of this system: "Without the Korean War veterans, our country might have ceased to exist. Some of those who participated as teenage soldiers are now over 90 years old, and we do not know when they will pass away. This system means the nation will remember and honor them until their last day."

Furthermore, starting this year, the district will implement a new "National Veterans Funeral Support Project." By partially amending the "Ordinance on the Respect and Support for National Veterans in Songpa District," the district will provide funeral directors and funeral supplies to the families of national veterans who pass away while residing in the area.

Mayor Seo stated, "The freedom and prosperity of this land were made possible by patriotic heroes who risked their lives and youth for the country," emphasizing, "Descendants must remember the values of liberal democracy that these veterans protected with their youth."

In addition, the district holds an annual Veterans' Family Festival in June to commemorate the Month of Patriots and Veterans, supports Korean War memorial events, and conducts various commemorative events throughout the year to honor the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs.

Finally, Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, pledged, "Respecting those who sacrificed for the country is not something to be applauded but something that must be done," and vowed, "We will expand appropriate welfare support measures for those who gave their lives for the Republic of Korea, enabling us to enjoy human rights, freedom, and prosperity today."