Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai said Wednesday she will ask President Yoon Suk Yeol to veto a bill that gives benefits to former pro-democracy activists as she expressed regret over its parliamentary passage.

Kang made the remark a day after the main opposition Democratic Party railroaded the contentious bill, which gives benefits to former activists who have not yet been designated people of national merit, at the opposition-controlled parliament.

“As there are no clear standards for selecting such people of merit, there is a possibility that inappropriate figures may be recognized,” Kang said in a press conference.

Ministry officials said the lack of such standards may raise issues on fairness as the bill gives benefits not only to those who have been recognized as people of merit but their descendants as well.

A total of 911 people are expected to be eligible to apply for a review process to become awardees, according to a white paper published by a committee handling compensation for former pro-democr
acy activists.

The ruling People Power Party has also called for a reconsideration of the bill, saying it could recognize controversial figures, including those who violated the National Security Act, as beneficiaries.

Source: Yonhap News Agency