President Moon awards General Hong Beom-do the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Republic of Korea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in awarded General Hong Beom-do the 'Order of Merit for National Foundation, Republic of Korea' on the 17th, marking the 101st anniversary of the Bongodong Battle victory.

General Hong had previously received the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Presidential Medal in 1962 in recognition of his contributions to the anti-Japanese armed struggle.

The medal was presented directly by President Moon to Woo Won-shik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and chairman of the Hong Beom-do General Memorial Project Association, in the presence of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.

The Blue House stated, "The reason for awarding General Hong the highest order of the Republic of Korea is not only his lifelong dedication to the independence movement but also his contributions to awakening the spirit of independence among the entire nation, fostering national unity and patriotism," adding, "As a leader of the Korean diaspora forcibly relocated to Kazakhstan, he worked hard to protect the rights and enhance the pride of the Koryo-saram."

The award ceremony also served as an opportunity to reaffirm exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Kazakhstan. President Tokayev presented two historical documents related to General Hong, including his death certificate and the resignation letter from the Koryo Theater, where he served as a head guard in his later years.

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