Oh Sehoon Meets Veterans: "The Courage That Defended Our Country Is Engraved in the Hearts of 10 Million Citizens"

Attendance at the Korean War Veterans' Appreciation Event
Oh Sehoon: "Freedom Is Not Free"
Announcing Expansion of Veterans Policies... Increase in Allowances

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon met with veterans on the 20th and stated, "The determination, will, and noble courage that defended our country amid gunfire and bombardment are deeply engraved in the hearts of 10 million Seoul citizens."

On the morning of the same day, Mayor Oh attended the "75th Anniversary of the June 25 War Veterans' Appreciation Event" held in Mapo-gu and said, "Freedom is not free. Peace in the Republic of Korea is built upon your courage and sacrifice, and it is thanks to you that the safe daily lives of 10 million citizens are possible."

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon expresses his gratitude to veterans at the "75th Anniversary of the June 25 War Veterans' Appreciation Event" held at Catertle in Mapo-gu on the morning of the 20th. Seoul City

In the afternoon, he also attended the "75th Anniversary of the June 25 War Commemoration Event" hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Veterans Association. Mayor Oh expressed his gratitude to the veterans and introduced the "Garden of Gratitude" currently being created at Gwanghwamun Square. Seoul City is developing this symbolic space, the Garden of Gratitude, to express appreciation and respect for the 22 countries that participated in the June 25 War, with the goal of completion by 2027.

Previously, Mayor Oh had indicated an intention to expand policies honoring veterans. Recently, he also announced plans to expand the "Funeral Honor Service" for those who devoted themselves to the nation in their final moments. This service provides comprehensive funeral protocol, including condolence ceremonies upon request by the bereaved families, delivery of the national flag, and escort of the deceased.

Currently, Seoul City is also making efforts to strengthen honors for more than 100,000 national merit recipients and their families. Starting with an increase in the "Veterans Honor Allowance" for surviving patriots from 200,000 won per month to 1 million won per month in 2022, the city raised the "Living Assistance Allowance" for national merit recipients and their highest-priority bereaved family members who are basic livelihood security recipients or near-poverty class from 100,000 won to 200,000 won per month in 2023. Last year, the "Veterans Honor Allowance" was raised from 100,000 won to 150,000 won per month. This year, the "Veterans Respect Allowance" was increased from 100,000 won to 150,000 won per month, and the "Veterans Honor Allowance" for veterans aged 80 or older was adjusted from 150,000 won to 200,000 won per month.

The city is also working to reduce blind spots in honoring bereaved families through system improvements. Previously, under the "Seoul Metropolitan City Ordinance on Honoring and Supporting Independence Patriots," medical expenses were supported for independence patriots themselves, their highest-priority bereaved family members, and their spouses. However, if the highest-priority bereaved family member passed away, the surviving spouse was excluded from support. In April, the ordinance was revised to allow the spouse of a deceased highest-priority bereaved family member to continue receiving medical expense support. The city plans to ensure that respect for the devotion of independence patriots is fully extended to surviving bereaved families and will consider further improvements to support systems in the future.

Mayor Oh stated, "We will develop this space into a living place that not only serves as a site of remembrance, but also heals past wounds and passes on the values of freedom and peace to future generations." He added, "We will ensure that our gratitude does not remain only in the month of June, and will take full responsibility for practical honors, as well as education, documentation, and succession."