Instituted in 1950 by the Republic of Korea, the Korean War Service Medal was offered to all personnel who served in the Korean War, however, the regulations of the day did not permit the acceptance or wearing of this medal by British Commonwealth military personnel. In 2001, the Korean Government again offered the Korean War Service Medal to British Commonwealth forces in recognition of the significant contribution and bravery of the veterans who had fought in the war. The Sovereign subsequently approved the acceptance and unrestricted wearing of the award by eligible New Zealanders.