Families recognized for their military service in Gyeongnam, even those without a local address, will soon be eligible for public facility fee exemptions as a new ordinance is being proposed. This aims to improve the support criteria that have varied based on residency for families designated as military service families by the government.
Kim Soon-taek, a member of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, introduced a bill on October 19 to abolish residency restrictions for military service families under the 'Gyeongnam Ordinance on Recognition and Support for Military Service Families.'
The current ordinance stipulates that at least one member of the recognized family must reside in Gyeongnam to receive benefits. If the amendment passes, this residency requirement will be removed, allowing families living elsewhere to access the benefits provided by Gyeongnam.
In a phone interview, Kim stated, "Military service families have not contributed to a specific region but have dedicated themselves to the nation as a whole. I believe removing residency restrictions aligns with the intent of the system."
The military service family designation is a program established by the Military Manpower Administration to recognize families that have fulfilled their military obligations across three generations. Introduced in 2004, these families receive benefits such as reduced fees for public facilities and parking.
According to data from the provincial council, as of the end of August this year, 33,748 families and 159,940 individuals nationwide have been recognized as military service families. In Gyeongnam, there were 1,491 families and 7,478 individuals eligible for recognition as of the end of July. While the designation is made at the national level, the actual benefits vary by local government ordinances. A survey conducted at the end of February found that 200 out of 243 local governments nationwide impose residency restrictions.
The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission voted on May 18 to improve the regional disparities in recognition for military service families and recommended related ordinance revisions to the Military Manpower Administration and local governments on May 26.
The proposed amendment includes not only the removal of residency restrictions but also clarifies the scope of eligible individuals and the verification process. It defines military service members as 'eligible individuals' and their parents, spouses, and children as 'eligible family members.'
Additionally, the amendment aims to streamline recognition procedures for major events and awards, specifying the fee reductions for facilities managed or operated by Gyeongnam, including entrance fees and parking charges. It also outlines the necessary documentation for receiving benefits, such as presenting a military service family certificate and identification, along with family relationship verification.
Kim noted that there are no significant changes to the definition of eligible family members compared to the existing ordinance, emphasizing that the focus of the amendment is on abolishing residency restrictions and refining the application criteria. He acknowledged concerns about the low number of actual beneficiaries but highlighted the rarity and symbolic significance of military service families.
He remarked, "Families where all three generations have completed their military service are not numerous, but their recognition is valuable due to their rarity. The benefits provided by local governments are not extensive but are significant in honoring these individuals." However, he clarified that even if Gyeongnam's ordinance is amended, it does not mean that restrictions on military service families in other regions will be lifted simultaneously, as benefits will still depend on the ordinances of each local government.
As a result, military service families residing in Gyeongnam may still miss out on fee reductions when using public facilities in other regions if those local governments maintain residency restrictions. Kim expressed optimism that these discrepancies between regions will be addressed soon, stating, "I believe local governments will gradually revise their ordinances."
Indeed, Ulsan City has already initiated efforts to eliminate residency restrictions for military service families as of September, and the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council's related ordinance amendment passed committee review on October 7, indicating ongoing regional reforms.
Kim concluded, "Recognizing military service families is about respecting their dedication to the nation, not just a specific region. I will work to improve the issue of varying recognition based on residency and ensure that the value of fulfilling military obligations is respected in society."
Meanwhile, this ordinance will undergo legislative notice and is set for review by the Culture and Welfare Committee during the 438th Gyeongnam Provincial Council regular session starting November 3.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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