[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence video] High-altitude parachuting of special forces seen from a transport aircraft

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] A master sergeant who served in the Special Warfare Command for 35 years took his final parachute jump. The last jump was made together with the 836th airborne basic trainees making their first jump in a real operation.

The protagonist of the final jump is Master Sergeant Kim Jeong-woo. Having served in the Special Warfare Command for 35 years, Master Sergeant Kim supported the farewell jump ahead of his discharge at the end of February. Although he has jumped approximately 596 times during his military service, this day held special significance for him.

On that day, the jump was made from a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter flying at an altitude of 580 meters (1,900 feet). After watching all the soldiers jump, Master Sergeant Kim made his final leap into the sky. Notably, the jump included Lieutenant General Kim Jeong-su, Commander of the Special Warfare Command, Brigadier General Seo Young-man, Commandant of the Special Warfare School, and comrades who had served alongside Master Sergeant Kim. They said, "We participated in this jump to show the camaraderie of the 'Black Berets of loyalty,' who have fearlessly roamed the sky, land, mountains, and sea, sharing life and death together."

Master Sergeant Kim was commissioned as the 16th recruit in 1985 at the age of 20. His first assignment was as a communications officer in the Special Warfare Command's Black Panther unit. When he began his military career, his physical strength was weaker than others. Even completing a 5km run was difficult at the time of enlistment. The military changed him. Within 10 months, he developed his stamina enough to be selected as the company representative for a 10km armed rapid march. He also continuously worked on self-development. He holds 13 certifications, including Level 1 Psychological Counselor and Personality Instructor. In 2017, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Blood Donation Merit.

Master Sergeant Kim said, "Leadership is not about unilaterally leading, but about enabling subordinates to voluntarily follow." He added to his juniors, "I hope you build a smart Special Warfare Command, the world's finest and irreplaceable special forces."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.