[CARD NEWS] 8 million won was all this country could give a man who lost his leg
This is what South Korea gave Private Kim, 21, for losing his right leg last July.
2) Private Kim, who once dreamed of being an actor, fell into despair after he lost his leg to a mine near the Military Demarcation Line.
3) “We shall blame nobody. You received an honorable injury, because you were wounded while serving this country.”
This is how Kim’s mother comforted her son.
4) The nation, which Private Kim served for, however, gave no consideration to Kim.
The administration strictly applied the legal standards to Kim, which were not fair.
5) What Private Kim received from this country was 8 million won ($6,850), according to the third- grade disability pension.
6) Can 8 million won give solace to his mind?
His life has completely changed after losing his leg.
7) Using the artificial leg he has to wear for the rest of his life is not like slipping on a pair of shoes.
Only a few minutes of wearing it causes blisters on his leg. At least one year is required to adjust to it.
8) He must get an injection to kill the neurons around the amputated area to stop the severe pain he is suffering from.
9) Kim is also undergoing mental trauma as well as physical.
Kim’s mother had to comfort her son one day when he was crying, surprised by the sound of a drill she was using to install safety bars in their bathroom.
10) “Kim can get paid additional compensation for injuries from the companies affiliated to Narasarang card, a specialized card only for soldiers.”
“Veterans salary may be granted to Kim following the regulations, once he is designated as a veteran eligible for compensation.”
Yet the Ministry of National Defense blamed Private Kim for not thoroughly understanding the process of compensation and providing the related documents.
11) However, Kim’s mother expressed her opinion that she wants to receive appropriate compensation from this country, not some company.
12) Also, she wants her son to be honorably remembered as “a man of national merit” who was injured while serving Korea, not just as veteran eligible for compensation who needs mere financial aid.
13) “The sons of the Blue House and conglomerates have such comfortable military lives, but I couldn’t do this for you. I am so sorry, my son.”
The mother laments her son’s misfortune more frequently these days, as the news of special treatment for elites has come to light.
14) How could Korea be so merciless to a person who was hurt so badly while serving his country?
15) And how could the people in National Assembly have neglected such a merciless law for so long?
16) It is never too late to improve the system of compensation, lest Korea repeat this tragedy again.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)