Soldier’s death worth less than £3

A SOUTH Korean woman has been offered the equivalent of less than £3 in government compensation for the death of her brother during the 1950-53 Korean War, embarrassing officials who say they were bound by an out-dated law.

The woman was two years old when her brother was killed in combat in 1950. The family had not received any compensation until April this year when the soldier’s sister was awarded 5,000 won (about £2.75) under a law in effect during the war.

The presidential Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission said: “We hope that this case will lead to forming a system of adequately compensating the families of Korean War veterans who continue to live with deep pain.”

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Defence Ministry said a new law was needed to pay more or adjust the sum to incorporate inflation and interest.