Minister Park Hong-keun Pledges Support for 5·18 Veterans and Families

Minister Park Hong-keun (center) visits the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju on May 18, listening to an explanation from a staff member. [Photo=Ministry of Planning and Budget]

Park Hong-keun, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, stated on May 18 that he will intensify efforts to support veterans and families of the May 18 Democratic Uprising throughout their lives.
After attending the 46th anniversary ceremony of the May 18 incident in Gwangju, Minister Park visited the May 18 Memorial Culture Center and held a meeting with representatives of veterans' organizations.
During the meeting, leaders of the veterans' organizations proposed the construction of a central headquarters and effective promotion of May 18 memorial projects. Currently, the May 18 organization is the only legal veterans' group without a central headquarters, and representatives agreed on the necessity of establishing one for stable operations.
In response, Minister Park said, "We will actively consider the construction of a central headquarters and pay more attention to support across all areas of life, including economic assistance, medical services, education, and employment." He also promised to review the voices raised during the meeting with relevant departments and incorporate them into next year's budget proposal.
Later that afternoon, Minister Park visited the National Asia Culture Center and the restoration site of the former Jeonnam Provincial Office to gather opinions from local artists and cultural stakeholders. He revealed plans to enhance the symbolic significance and accessibility of the culture center through new projects, including the 'Space of Light' initiative.
Minister Park expressed his appreciation for the completion of the restoration project of the former Jeonnam Provincial Office, a site of democratic history, stating, "I find it meaningful that we are opening an exhibition hall today. We must continue to support it to faithfully reflect its historical value and significance."
He praised the culture center for establishing itself as a leading multi-cultural facility in the country, fulfilling functions from performances to exhibitions, creation, and cultural exchanges. He emphasized that the role of the culture center is becoming increasingly important for the development of local culture and the expansion of cultural enjoyment among the public.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Yujin Kim ujeans@ajunews.com