제복의 가치는 무엇인가: 공동체를 지탱하는 헌신과 우리 사회의 응답 > K-wave Trends

Hyundai Department Store Group's recent decision to create a scholarship fund worth 1 billion won over the next 10 years for the families of fallen Air Force soldiers has significant implications for our society. This is an example of the company's firm management philosophy of 'all-round respect for uniformed public servants' by expanding the scope of support beyond a simple one-time donation to firefighters, police officers, the Army, and the Air Force. Their actions, which have been ongoing for 19 years since 2008, are helping the families of bereaved soldiers who died in the line of duty or were wounded in action to achieve economic independence and are providing a stepping stone for their children to grow into healthy members of society. In particular, Hyundai Green Food's method of combining financial support and job creation, such as linking employment for cooks scheduled to be discharged, is evaluated as a sincere model for a company to practice social responsibility.

Meanwhile, respect for uniformed civil servants is going beyond private efforts and is being embodied in policy practice at the national level. At the recent Memorial Day ceremony, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized national responsibility for citizens wearing uniforms and promised to improve the compensation system in a practical way. In particular, reorganizing the system so that injured soldiers can be treated as veterans upon discharge, and expanding the scope of allowances to the 7th grade of disabled soldiers and police officers who had been neglected, are expressions of the will to change 'courtesy in words' into 'courtesy in practice.' This clearly demonstrates that the state clearly recognizes that how it evaluates the value of those who sacrificed for the community is directly related to the community's ability to respond to future crises.

Military authorities' efforts to modernize the symbolism and functionality of uniforms are also a notable change. The Army has recently begun a project to improve the design of uniforms and work uniforms in collaboration with a design agency. This is an attempt to add a sense of the times and future-oriented values ​​to the military uniforms, which have not changed significantly since the 1970s. Rather than simply changing clothes, there is a strategic decision to instill pride in those wearing the uniform and to show the public that the military is trusted. As uniforms are directly related to the identity of an organization, expectations are high whether this design innovation will lead to boosting the morale of military members and increasing public trust.

However, society's gaze sometimes turns towards unnecessary suspicion and ridicule rather than respect for uniformed public servants. The recent controversy over police status that occurred at the polling place protest site calls for reflection on the way our society treats uniformed public officials. The incident in which some protesters denied and ridiculed the status of police officers based on dress codes or official rank statements serves as a warning that denigrating the hard work of those wearing uniforms ultimately leads to eroding the safety assets of our society. Although police authorities clearly stated that wearing masks or sunglasses is an acceptable part of the job and explained the identity verification process, the spread of unfounded suspicions suggests that our society's communication methods need to mature.

The local community's efforts to establish veterans as a part of everyday culture are also very encouraging. The 'Dalgubeol Veterans Cultural Festival', hosted by Daegu Metropolitan City and the Veterans Affairs Office, provides a valuable opportunity for citizens to experience the uniformed workers in person, enjoy military band performances and veterans song festivals, and familiarize themselves with the meaning of veterans. This shows that respect for the dedication can naturally take root only when the veterans' service is not confined to solemn commemorative ceremonies but is incorporated into the lives of citizens. These festivals will serve as an opportunity to pass on the values ​​of veterans to the younger generation and to reaffirm that uniformed workers are true ‘national representatives’ of our society.