Seoul: Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul on Wednesday vowed to draw up a five-year policy plan aimed at increasing compensation and support for patriots and people of merit.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kwon's announcement comes amidst the Lee Jae Myung government's pledge to provide proper compensation and honor to those who sacrificed themselves to protect the nation. Kwon, who took office in July, expressed his intention to establish the comprehensive policy plan by the end of the year, which will be reported to the president and Cabinet members. The minister emphasized that implementing veterans' policies based on a structured manual would advance the initiatives significantly by the end of President Lee's term.

The proposed plan focuses on increasing compensation for patriots and people of merit, especially those involved in the independence movement during Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, including their descendants. Furthermore, Kwon suggested expanding the definition of people of merit to include individuals who have elevated the country's stature, such as Olympic medalists and international music competition winners.

"There are many people who have devoted themselves to our society and our nation," Kwon stated. He noted the importance of honoring contributors as the number of veterans and their families declines over time.

The veterans ministry has submitted a budget proposal of 6.6 trillion won (US$4.7 billion) for the next year to the National Assembly, marking a 3.3 percent increase from the current year. If approved, the additional funds will be directed towards compensations for independence activists and their surviving spouses, as well as expanded medical services for people of merit.