Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

You are the real ‘Descendants of The Sun’

Hanbit soldiers encouraged in South Sudan

Ethiopian war veterans thanked for their sacrifice

On May 27, on a state visit to Ethiopia, President Park Geun-hye invited and encouraged soldiers of the Hanbit unit who have been dispatched to and helping reconstruction of South Sudan, a country bordering Ethiopia. This marks the third time that President Park has directly visited dispatched soldiers during her overseas trips; she previously encouraged the Arc unit of the UAE in May 2014, and the Cheonghae and Arc units on Dae Jo Young Ham during its port in Abu Dhabi harbor in March of last year.

The President shook hands with all 15 Hanbit soldiers including Colonel Kim Byung-chun, commanding officer, who attended the ceremony. She encouraged them for their hard work and engaged in pleasant conversation with the troops.

In addition to Commanding Officer Kim, other notable personnel who were present at this visit included Major Yun Ji-won, who was commissioned as a female officer after giving up her U.S. green card; Master sergeant Kim Sang-woo, aka the ‘reconstruction expert’ who holds eight different types of heavy equipment certifications; and Corporal Koo Ja-min, who is currently serving in the military as a medical officer even though he concurrently holds a medical license.

President Park said, “There is a drama that is popular in Korea and in other countries as well, called ‘Descendants of The Sun’. It is just a drama, but I think you are the real heroes. I’d like to thank all of you for your hard work in boosting our national prestige and in completing missions in the face of adversity. A dispatched unit's performance becomes the primary measure of a nation’s position. Please work for the reconstruction and stability of South Sudan, particularly as you are a representative of Korea.”

She listened to the soldiers speak about why they decided to volunteer for dispatch, and heard about what their lives are like in the field. She then hugged Major Yun at the Major's request. President Park said, “Each one of you touches my heart, and each of you holds a story that I want to tell the people. Please pass on my encouragement and regards to your fellow soldiers.” She then gifted them with watches to show her appreciation. Following that, the Hanbit soldiers presented her with a small indoor light, known as the ‘Hanbitjung’; this light is decorated with a map of South Sudan and features pictures of the Hanbit unit’s activities.

Next, President Park attended the 65th Ethiopia Korean War Veterans' Ceremony and thanked the war veterans for their great sacrifice. Accompanied by both President Mulatu Teshome and Melese, president of the War Veterans' Association, she made a dedication with flowers and said a silent prayer at the ceremony.
 

The ceremony was attended by about 250 people, including surviving soldiers who belonged to the Kagnew unit, which participated in the Korean War 65 years ago, 150 families of the deceased, Hanbit soldiers, and overseas Koreans in South Sudan. President Park spoke with each of the war veterans after the closing ceremony, some of whom bowed deeply towards her. She mentioned that the Korean people will never forget those war veterans who faced much physical and mental pain during and after the war, and who also continue to love Korea. In response, President Melese presented President Park with a framed photo of former President Park Chung-hee during King Haile Selassie’s visit to Korea taken in 1968.

On May 28, President Park arrived at Uganda, her second visit to an African country, where she attended a summit with Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. They exchanged opinions on how to strengthen the relationship between their two countries in order to address the North Korean and nuclear issues.

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >
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