With only 20,000 Korean War veterans still alive, gov't steps up efforts to preserve their stories

PYEONGTAEK, Gyeonggi Province — When a group of Korean War veterans visited Camp Humphreys on Nov. 5, the emotional meeting with a new generation of American soldiers offered a rare moment of recognition. However, for the roughly 20,000 Korean veterans of the 1950-53 war still living — now averaging 94 years old — the more urgent question is whether the government can provide adequate care, medical support and financial assistance in their remaining years. Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yun-jin, who accompanied them, said the visit brought back memories of her earlier work promoting exchanges between Korean and American veterans. Watching the veterans receive a warm welcome from U.S. soldiers was particularly moving, she said. But beyond such occasions, Kang said the government’s priority must be ensuring that veterans receive proper care and recognition while they are still alive. “What matters most is ensuring that veterans can spend their remaining years in good health and comfort, with the pride and honor they deserve for their service to the country,”