21-Year-Old Korean War Veteran Returns to Family After 70 Years

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu]A Republic of Korea soldier who participated in the Korean War at the age of 21 is returning to his family after about 70 years.

The Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Team (hereinafter referred to as the KND Team) announced on the 16th that the identity of a fallen soldier excavated on October 7, 2016, from Baekseoksan in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, was confirmed to be the late Corporal Park Bu-geun.

Corporal Park was born on August 21, 1929, in Baekhyeon-ri, Sandong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, as the eldest son among two sons and one daughter. He supported his family’s livelihood and enlisted in the military in 1950 at the age of 21. It is presumed that he died during the Baekseoksan-Eoeunsan battle (September 30 to October 28, 1951). The Baekseoksan area was a key strategic point on the Eastern Front, and fierce battles were fought there to reclaim it.

The remains of the late soldier were recovered five years ago, along with 23 personal effects including a plastic spoon, M1 and Calvin cartridge casings, and ammunition clips. The identification was made through a visit by the KND Team’s investigators to the home of Park’s only surviving sibling, his younger sister Park Gwi-seon (81). A genetic comparison test between the family and the remains confirmed their relationship.

Sister Gwi-seon shared, "Upon hearing the news of my brother’s death in battle, our family endured long years of sorrow and sadness. I always wished to find my brother and send him to the National Cemetery during my lifetime, and I am deeply grateful that this wish has now come true."

The KND Team will hold a 'Hero’s Homecoming Ceremony' at the end of this month in consultation with the family. The late Corporal Park will be interred at the National Cemetery.

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