Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Corporal Jeong Su-yeon, Sergeant Wi Dong-min, and Master Sergeant Lee Tae-gyun, who died last August as the result of the explosion of a K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer at a shooting range in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, have been recognized as persons of national merit. In addition, there is an ongoing application for the registration of a person of national merit for the discharged sergeant Lee Chan-ho who was wounded at the incident.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) announced on June 6th that, “To help the bereaved families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer incident in their grief, the three victims have been recognized as soldiers who died on duty." The MPVA explained, “To help the bereaved families in their grief, we ensured that the recognition was completed in two weeks after the application was made on May 23rd.”

Under the lifecycle-oriented comprehensive and multilateral policies for veterans affairs to be offered by the MPVA, the bereaved families of the soldiers who died on duty will receive wage and supports related to employment, education, medical care, housing, and welfare. In particular, Master Sergeant Lee's wife will be able to find a proper job based on the special employment policy for patriots and veterans, and earn a monthly wage. Even her children will receive not only educational support but also employment support. In addition, various policies for patriots and veterans, such as special provision of apartment, emergency loan, and medical care, have made it possible for her to plan for her life.

Sergeant Lee applied for registration as a person of national merit on May 28th. The MPVA plans to judge as quickly as it can and to give him the best support so that he can plan the next phase of his life based on stable medical treatment and various policies for veterans affairs.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

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