President Lee Jae Myung says the government will continue to uphold the principle of providing special compensation for those who make sacrifices for the good of the public.

Lee made the remark on Friday during a luncheon he hosted at the presidential office in Yongsan for bereaved families of police officers, firefighters and other civil servants who died during rescue operations. 

Lee said South Korea is the country it is today thanks to the sacrifices of public service personnel who devoted their lives to protecting public safety. 

In paying tribute, he said they took the lead in responding to the pressing and desperate calls of the people. 

The president pledged to repay their devotion and sacrifices by making South Korea a country that suitably rewards those who work for the nation and its communities.