South Korea’s Blue House To ‘Bestow’ Snacks To Military Personnel On Chuseok; Term Used Draws Critics' Attention
The Blue House of South Korea announced on Sunday that President Park Guen Hye is granting a two-day vacation to all enlisted military servicemen and will "bestow" snacks to military personnel on the three-day harvest festival, Chuseok.
According to Korea Herald on Sunday, the vacation will be granted to noncommissioned officers and other lower ranking servicemen who may avail of the two-day leave at their preferred time.
The same publication also noted on Wednesday the vacation is a surprise gift to nearly 560,000 military servicemen for their efforts in last month's intensified military tension with North Korea following a landmine blast that injured two South Korean soldiers within the Demilitarized Zone border.
"The latest gesture of celebrations was decided in recognition of the efforts the servicemen showed in keeping their combat readiness, especially against North Korea's land mine detonation in the demilitarized zone and the firing of shells," presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.
In addition to the food that will be served by the military, the Blue House said that Park would "bestow" snacks to all servicemen in the spirit of Chuseok, along with cards with a written message from the president.
However, critics found the use of the term "bestow" inappropriate as it brings back the feel of monarchs presenting their subjects with gifts in a time where modern democracy brings presidents into office through the votes of the people whom they should serve.
Furthermore, the critics cited that the snacks that will be "bestowed" to servicemen will not be coming from the president herself, but from the Defense Ministry budget. In essence, the taxpayers are the ones who will be "bestowing" the Chuseok snacks.
The Defense Ministry was given 130.8 billion won as budget for the compensation of residents living near military shooting ranges who are experiencing noise from military weaponries. The ministry noted 70 billion won of the total budget will go unused, which led them to allot the 1.2 billion won for the Chuseok snacks, with permission from the Finance Ministry.
In line with the celebration of Chuseok, companies who are members of the Federation of Korean Industries were also encouraged by the Blue House to give out discounts and special gifts to servicemen on special holidays.
