Kwon Oeul: "If We Create Opportunities for Dialogue, the Taegukgi and Candlelight Groups Will Understand Each Other"

First Day at Work for Veterans Minister Nominee with Conservative Background
"I Will Express Opinions on National Matters as a Cabinet Member"

Kwon Oeul, nominee for Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, said on June 25, "If we frequently create opportunities for dialogue, I believe that even the Taegukgi group in Gwanghwamun and the Candlelight group will be able to communicate and understand each other."

Speaking to reporters as he arrived at his office in Jung-gu, Seoul that morning, Kwon stated, "If President Lee Jaemyung's hidden intention in nominating me is national unity, I believe that by creating opportunities for mutual communication between the different camps that have become entrenched in factional logic, and by allowing each side to express their views, misunderstandings can be resolved." Kwon is a conservative figure who served three terms as a lawmaker in a conservative party, joined President Lee's campaign during the last presidential election, and was nominated as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Kwon Oeul, nominee for Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives for his first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at Seoul Square in Jung-gu, Seoul on June 25, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Regarding his past criticism of the Kim Daejung administration as being "pro-North," Kwon said, "My remarks at the time were made out of concern that our government had conceded too much in three areas: the SOFA negotiations, the garlic negotiations, and the Korea-Japan fisheries negotiations. I faced a lot of criticism for those comments and immediately apologized in the plenary session," adding, "Now is not the time for such remarks."

In response to a question about whether his nomination as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs was intended with 'national unity' in mind, he said, "Once I take office, I will devote myself to veterans affairs," but also added, "As a cabinet member, I believe it is the role of a minister to occasionally offer opinions on national matters as well."

Regarding future veterans policies, Kwon stated, "I will diligently prepare to fulfill my duties, keeping in mind the philosophy of the Lee Jaemyung administration, which is to provide practical recognition for special sacrifices with special compensation, and to promote national unity."

Kwon also emphasized, "I believe it is my duty, during my tenure, to include those who were excluded from veterans benefits for various political reasons by reaching a national consensus."

On the recurring debate over the grade of honors whenever there is a change of administration, he said, "It is fundamental to assess veterans based on their actions at the time. Once a decision has been made, it should be respected as a consistent policy of the nation and government. If the government or administration changes and that decision is undermined or the grade is lowered, it destabilizes various national systems."

Meanwhile, on this day marking the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the 6·25 Korean War, he said, "I believe that it is thanks to the sacrifices of the patriotic spirits that we are able to live in a prosperous and free Republic of Korea. Once again, I bow my head in respect to the spirits of the 6·25 Korean War."