Those who risked their lives to defend their country are now being neglected by the very generations they fought to protect.
This reality is especially evident in how Korean War veterans living abroad—particularly in Los Angeles—are treated under South Korea’s veterans affairs system.
At the Consulate General of Korea in LA, veterans affairs are typically handled not by officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, but by public servants dispatched from Gyeonggi Province or major municipal governments. These officials rotate every two to three years, often lacking both local understanding and the specialized knowledge required for this role.
The Western U.S. Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association (President: Jae-Hak Lee) stated, “In the case of the LA Consulate, the officials lack expertise in veterans affairs, and frequent reassignments every two to three years prevent continuity. All we get is a repetitive handover of tasks—there’s no long-term policy or vision.”
When a Korean War veteran dies in LA, the South Korean government provides virtually no funeral support. According to veterans group representatives, the consulate does not personally deliver the Taegukgi (South Korea’s national flag), which is traditionally draped over the casket. Instead, it pre-distributes flags and related materials to affiliated organizations. The flags currently in use were received from the consulate more than a decade ago. Even the official presidential condolence banner is reused for multiple services.
This stands in stark contrast to U.S. military protocol, where a Department of Defense official personally presents the flag to the bereaved family in a solemn and respectful ceremony.
Man-Kyu Choi, President of the Korean Army Association, remarked, “For an official to bring the Taegukgi in person to a veteran’s funeral is the bare minimum act of respect. Is it really so difficult for a consular officer in LA to do that?”
In response, Jung-Hee Moon, the officer in charge of veterans affairs at the LA Consulate, said, “If the bereaved or individuals make a separate request, they can come pick it up at the consulate.”
As it stands, the consulate’s role is limited to minimal administrative functions, such as providing policy information and supporting the Honor Allowance application process. It plays little to no role in supporting veterans groups or upholding standards of ceremonial honor.
Most veterans are elderly and unable to drive. Even if they want to attend the June 25 commemoration hosted by the LA Consulate at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton, many cannot make the trip. A representative from the veterans association said, “We asked the consulate for transportation support, but were denied. Since many veterans have no way of getting there, only six will be attending.”
Even Korean War veterans who became U.S. citizens remain eligible for burial in the Korean National Cemetery. However, many are unaware of this right, and the process is notoriously complex. To qualify, veterans must pass a review by the Eligibility Review Committee, which considers whether the individual acquired foreign citizenship due to unavoidable circumstances, or whether they made significant contributions to the nation. Critics argue that requiring proof of “unavoidable reasons” is outdated and incompatible with today’s globalized society.
Though the Korean military uses a conscription system, and the U.S. military is volunteer-based, the gap in monthly benefits is substantial. U.S. veterans receive $1,000 to $2,000 per month, while South Korean veterans receive just 450,000 won (about $330). Korean veterans living abroad are excluded from key support, including medical care at veterans hospitals and additional benefits from local governments in South Korea.
Korean War veterans in the United States remain stranded in a blind spot of South Korea’s veterans system. With no one to advocate for them, they are being slowly forgotten.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
