By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Twenty-two offspring of Korean independence fighters will become citizens after discarding their Chinese nationality.
The Justice Ministry said Monday that the measure will mark the 63rd anniversary of Korean liberation from Japanese rule, or Liberation Day, that falls on Friday. Since 2003, Seoul has granted citizenship to overseas Koreans whose ancestors contributed to the pro-independence movement.
``We congratulate them on being genuine Koreans,'' said Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han in a statement.
The descendants had lived in South Korea for years on either F-1 (foreign national with relatives in the country) or F-2 (foreigner married to a Korean) visas.
After receiving citizenship, they will receive subsidies to help them settle in the country. Free medical services will be offered along with education programs to help them find employment.