Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs: "Comprehensive Measures to Address Water Leakage in National Cemetery Urns"

"We Will Strive to Ensure the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Is Celebrated Meaningfully Through the End of the Year"

On July 17, Kang Yoonjin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, addressed recent reports of water leakage into the urns of national merit recipients at some national cemeteries. He stated, "We will soon establish comprehensive measures to ensure proper respect for national merit recipients at national cemeteries such as the National Cemetery and the Memorial Cemetery for the Fallen, so that bereaved families do not have to worry."

Yonhap News Agency

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of National Defense on the same day, Vice Minister Kang said, "There were reports yesterday that heavy rain caused water to fill some urns at national cemeteries. In response, I visited the Yeongcheon Memorial Cemetery for the Fallen and held a meeting with all 12 national and memorial cemeteries across the country to discuss fundamental countermeasures."

Regarding future veterans' policies, Vice Minister Kang added, "President Lee Jaemyung instructed us to develop fundamental measures, noting that 'there is a saying that three generations are ruined when a family member participates in the independence movement.' He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the spouses of national merit recipients do not face hardship, and we will carefully review this matter."

On the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day this year, Vice Minister Kang stated, "Although we should have started preparations earlier, due to various circumstances such as the 12·3 Martial Law, the task force has only just been formed as Liberation Day approaches. We will strive to ensure that the 80th anniversary events are held meaningfully through the end of the year, in line with the launch of the new administration."

Meanwhile, regarding the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' announcement during the Yoon Sukyeol administration that it would recommend the President exercise his veto on the 'Act on the Respect for Democratic Merit Recipients (Democratic Merit Recipients Act),' Vice Minister Kang said, "We will carefully consider the details and provide answers at the bill's subcommittee." This is interpreted as a signal of a policy shift under the new administration.