President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of the military fulfilling its core mission and strengthening veterans’ policies during a work report session with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on the 18th. He praised the military for maintaining its position and fulfilling its duty to the nation and people during the December 3rd martial law incident.
The briefing was held in the afternoon at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul. President Lee stated, “The most important thing for the survival of the national community is to preserve the community itself.” Regarding the December 3rd incident, he said, “Although there was temporary chaos, the military largely held its ground and properly fulfilled its duty of loyalty to the nation and people, which is why the Republic of Korea exists today.”
He added, “There were certainly chaotic moments, but I believe this process can serve as a foundation for a better future. I hope we can start anew with a fresh mindset.” On the issue of veterans’ affairs, he questioned whether the nation has been providing adequate compensation to those who made special sacrifices for the community.
He emphasized, “If we do not respect, honor, and compensate those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the sake of all, who will step forward when we face difficulties?” He stressed that by providing special compensation to those who made exceptional sacrifices, the community must always show and prove that it has not forgotten their contributions.