Representative Moon Proposes Amendments to the Military and Public Officials Pension Acts
Aims to Restrict Pensions and Suspend Salaries for Those Convicted of Insurrection or Treason
Targets Cases Like Former Minister Kim Yonghyeon Receiving Pension Despite Detention
Moon Geumju, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province), announced on the 17th that he had proposed a revision bill to restrict public pensions for serious criminals such as those convicted of insurrection and treason, and to suspend salary payments for public officials whose impeachment motions have been passed by the National Assembly on charges of insurrection or treason.
Representative Moon previously revealed his intention to amend the relevant laws after receiving a response from the Ministry of National Defense stating that Kim Yonghyeon, former Minister of National Defense, who has been indicted and detained on charges of leading an insurrection, would continue to receive over 5 million won per month in military pension.
The "Military Pension Act Amendment" and "Public Officials Pension Act Amendment" proposed by Representative Moon stipulate that even if a soldier or public official is no longer in service, if they are sentenced to imprisonment or greater punishment for crimes such as insurrection and treason as defined by the Criminal Act, or for rebellion or aiding the enemy as defined by the Military Criminal Act, a portion of their pension will be restricted.
In addition, the "National Public Officials Act Amendment" stipulates that if a public official is impeached by the National Assembly for crimes of insurrection, treason, or abuse of state power and is tried by the Constitutional Court, their entire salary will be deducted during the suspension period.
Representative Moon emphasized, "It goes against public sentiment for the state to provide economic benefits to soldiers and public officials who have betrayed the people," and added, "For the state to guarantee a comfortable retirement for figures such as President Yoon Sukyeol and former Minister Kim Yonghyeon is, in itself, an act of betraying the people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
