The revision sets detailed standards for paying rewards to people who contribute to truth-finding and clarifies requirements for victims seeking to extend healing leave.
Under the decree, a total of 30 million won will be paid in rewards to those who provide direct and decisive information that had not been made public through the media or other channels. The reward applies when, without the information, truth-finding would have been impossible or significantly difficult. Payment will be decided through review and a resolution by the special investigation committee. Any reward obtained through improper means will be recovered, the ministry said.
The decree also spells out conditions for extending healing leave for victims recovering from physical and psychological harm.
Previously, healing leave was available for up to six months. With the revision, workers can extend leave by an additional six months — up to one year total — if they submit a doctor’s diagnosis or medical opinion written within 30 days of the submission date.
Workers seeking an extension must apply to their employer seven days before their leave ends. Even if a leave period ended before May 11, an application can be filed seven days before the date the worker wants the leave to begin.
Separately, an amendment to the special law taking effect May 11 will extend the deadline to apply for victim recognition to within six months after the special investigation committee ends its work. It will also extend the deadline to apply for healing leave to within one year after the committee’s activities conclude.
Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung said, “The government will do its utmost to support victims of the Itaewon disaster to focus on recovery and fully regain their daily lives.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.