South Korea to make October 1st ”Armed Forces Day” a special holiday - long holiday possible, but people have mixed reactions

Earlier this month, the South Korean government decided to make this year's Armed Forces Day (October 1st) a special holiday. As the Thursday of the same month, October 3rd, is a national holiday called "Gaecheonjeol," the foundation day of the country, the holiday will be extended to include the preceding and following weekdays, as well as the weekend.
If that were to happen, it would be a nine-day holiday, and because the 9th is Hangul Day, a national holiday, if the 7th (Monday) and the 8th (Tuesday) were taken off, it would be possible to have a 12-day holiday from September 28th (Saturday) to October 9th.
The government is also hoping for a boost in domestic demand, but public reactions are mixed. October 1st is Armed Forces Day, a day to demonstrate the dignity and fighting power of the Korean military both at home and abroad, and to boost the morale of soldiers.
It was established in 1956 to merge with the Military Memorial Day, which was held on October 1, 1950, when South Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel in a counterattack against the North Korean troops that had invaded the South during the Korean War.
Every year on this day, the country holds commemorative events. This year, like last year, a military parade will be held in downtown Seoul. The car parade of national heroes will be followed by the United Nations Honor Guard,
Foot troops from the U.S. Army's 8th Army and other troops will march. The South Korean military will also be unloading the Hyunmoo-5, a "monster missile" with a warhead weight of 8 tons, for the first time at a ceremony to commemorate Armed Forces Day at Seoul Airport.
The Hyunmoo 5 is said to be equipped with the world's heaviest warhead and has the power of a tactical nuclear weapon.
"Armed Forces Day" was originally designated as a statutory holiday from 1976 to 1990.
However, it was changed to a statutory holiday. The ruling People's Power Party held high-level talks with the government on the 25th of last month and requested the government to designate this year's Armed Forces Day (October 1st) as a special holiday.
According to the regulations on holidays for government offices in Korea, in addition to existing public holidays, "other days designated by the government from time to time" can be designated as temporary holidays through a cabinet meeting. Last year, October 2nd was designated as a temporary holiday.
It was designated as a holiday on September 28th. Combined with the "Chuseok" (mid-autumn celebration) holiday (September 28th to October 1st), which corresponds to the Japanese Obon holiday, and the National Foundation Day holiday, Gaecheonjeol (October 3rd), it was a six-day long holiday.
On the 3rd of this month, the government decided at a cabinet meeting to designate Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday. President Yoon Seok-yeol then approved the proposal, making it the final decision.
"The domestic and international security situation is severe due to the successive provocations by North Korea and the conflict in the Middle East," he said. "By designating Armed Forces Day as an emergency holiday, we can raise awareness among the nation about the importance of national security."
"We hope to raise public interest and use this as an opportunity to reflect on the role of the Korean military and the hardships of our soldiers," he said.
For some, this will allow them to take up to 12 consecutive days off. One would think that Koreans would be positive about the increased number of holidays, but it seems that not everyone is.
According to a survey conducted by data consulting firm PMI, 40% of respondents had a positive reaction to making Armed Forces Day a special holiday, while 22% were unhappy.
"It's inappropriate." 38% answered "I can't say either way." Respondents who gave a positive response gave the following reasons for their reasons: "It allows people to take a break," "It is expected to stimulate the domestic economy," and "
On the other hand, those who answered that it was "inappropriate" gave reasons such as "there are too many holidays," "it was a sudden decision," and "I don't see the point or the need for it."
When asked how they would spend the temporary holiday "Armed Forces Day," 54% answered "I will rest at home," while 13% answered "I'm not sure," followed by "I will enjoy my hobbies" (12%) and "I will spend the day alone" (13%).
This was followed by "Working at home" (10%) and "Going on a trip" (7%). The survey was conducted on 3,000 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide.
Edaily, which reported the survey results, said, "Previously, the government had
"Based on the results of this survey, it appears that it will be difficult to achieve the effect of stimulating domestic demand as much as the government hopes," he said.
The Herald Economics also reported that "there are concerns from the business community that the sudden designation of holidays will lead to lower productivity and increased costs."