Minister Kwon Oh-eul meets Korea Federation of SMEs Chairman Kim Ki-moon to explore military service recognition, job-matching initiatives

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon Oh-eul (right) meets with Korea Federation of SMEs Chairman Kim Ki-moon on Tuesday. [Korea Federation of SMEs]
Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon Oh-eul (right) meets with Korea Federation of SMEs Chairman Kim Ki-moon on Tuesday. [Korea Federation of SMEs]

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon Oh-eul visited the Korea Federation of SMEs on Tuesday to discuss ways to recognize military service records and expand employment opportunities for discharged soldiers at small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Korea Federation of SMEs said Kwon and federation Chairman Kim Ki-moon held a meeting at the organization's office in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss cooperation on veterans' employment support and other veterans affairs initiatives.

The meeting covered key topics including encouraging SMEs to formally recognize military service experience, expanding job opportunities for discharged soldiers, and promoting corporate social responsibility activities in the veterans sector.

Participants agreed on the need to improve awareness so that skills and experience gained during military service are valued in the workplace, and to strengthen job-matching between discharged soldiers and SMEs.

The meeting addressed both the reintegration of discharged soldiers into civilian life and the staffing challenges facing SMEs. Officials expressed hope that recognizing military experience as a practical workplace asset and expanding job-matching programs would broaden employment options for veterans while also helping SMEs meet their workforce needs. However, the specific framework for recognizing military service records and the structure of job-matching programs remain to be worked out through further consultations.

"Discharged soldiers are a valuable human resource who have developed a strong sense of responsibility and diverse practical experience through their service," Kim said. "If these capabilities are put to use at SMEs, it will benefit both the stable reintegration of veterans and the resolution of SMEs' labor shortages."

"The interest and cooperation of businesses is essential to ensure that those who have dedicated themselves to the nation receive fair recognition in society and can find stable employment," Kwon said. "We will work closely with the SME sector to expand job opportunities for discharged soldiers."


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