The Ministry of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to national heroes and their families in celebration of the Month of Patriotic Martyrs in June 2026.
On June 15, the ministry announced that Deputy Minister Kang Yoon-jin will visit the Jeonbuk region to pay respects to surviving patriots and inspect key veterans' facilities.
Over the past year, the ministry has implemented 41 projects across 12 areas based on four strategic goals: appropriate compensation for sacrifice and dedication, healthcare and welfare for a healthy life, a culture of remembrance shared with the public, and future-oriented veterans' support through change and innovation. The ministry ranked first among 27 ministerial-level departments in the 2025 national policy satisfaction survey.
On the morning of her visit, Deputy Minister Kang will meet with staff at the Jeonbuk Eastern Veterans Affairs Office to receive updates on the Month of Patriotic Martyrs initiatives and engage in discussions to hear their concerns and suggestions.
Following this, she will visit a nursing hospital in Jeonju where Lee Seok-kyu, the only surviving patriot in Honam, is currently hospitalized. Kang will check on Lee's health and comfort, and present him with a care package.
Lee, who was recognized with a presidential citation in 2010, cultivated a sense of national consciousness through a reading club while studying at Gwangju National University of Education in 1943. He was arrested while planning a rebellion in response to the Allied forces' landing and endured imprisonment.
Additionally, Deputy Minister Kang will visit the Jeonju Veterans Nursing Home to inspect the nursing services and facilities, and offer encouragement to the veterans and bereaved families residing there. She will also provide a monetary donation to the nursing home during her visit.
After her time at the nursing home, Kang will head to the National Imsil Patriotic Cemetery. She plans to inspect the cemetery and its facilities, including the memorial hall, and hold discussions with staff to gather their feedback.
Deputy Minister Kang Yoon-jin stated, "This visit aims to directly hear the challenges and suggestions from the field, ensuring that we carefully attend to the lives of national heroes and their families who have dedicated themselves to the nation. We will continue to strive to reflect their voices in our policies to repay 'special sacrifices with special honors and compensation.'"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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