In a move to boost troop morale and stimulate domestic consumption, the South Korean government has designated Armed Forces Day, observed on October 1, as a temporary public holiday for 2024.
The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting, will be forwarded to President Yoon Suk Yeol for final approval. This new designation will add to the two existing public holidays in October—National Foundation Day on October 3 and Hangeul Day on October 9. This marks the first time since 1991 that Armed Forces Day will be recognized as a public holiday.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized the significance of this decision during the Cabinet meeting, stating, “By designating this year’s Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday, the government aims to raise public awareness of national security’s importance and acknowledge the vital role and efforts of our armed forces.” He also noted the heightened security concerns due to North Korea’s provocations and global conflicts, stressing that strong security is essential for both national stability and economic strength.
The Ministry of National Defense welcomed the decision, expressing that increased public attention would help strengthen troops’ morale and combat readiness.
In addition to the holiday designation, the Cabinet also approved three bills recently passed by the National Assembly. Among them is a bill designed to assist victims of “jeonse” home rental scams. The new legislation will allow victims to lease public housing for up to 20 years.
Jeonse is a unique Korean housing system where tenants provide a substantial returnable deposit to landlords instead of paying monthly rent. The new bill aims to offer relief to those affected by fraud in this system.