Cheonanham Survivors Refuse to Watch the 'Resurrected Cheonanham'

On the 24th, a day before the 71st anniversary of the Korean War, a large banner with the phrase "We will remember every last one" was hung on the outer wall of the Seoul Library in Jung-gu, Seoul. The banner listed the names of veterans who participated in the Korean War, the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Cheonan ship sinking, and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling incident. It signifies remembering and expressing gratitude to all those who worked hard to protect peace on this land. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The former captain of the Cheonan ship (retired colonel) and surviving crew members have decided not to attend the launching ceremony of the new escort ship named "Cheonan." This decision follows the Korea Communications Standards Commission's ruling that there was no issue with a YouTube content that spread the "submarine collision theory" as the cause of the sinking of the Cheonan ship, which was attacked by North Korea in 2010.

On the 8th, former Captain Choi posted on his Facebook, "The President says the Cheonan was the work of North Korea, but which country's organization are these people from?" and stated, "I will not attend the Cheonan launching ceremony tomorrow."

On the 9th, the name of the 7th ship of the new Daegu-class frigate (FFG-II), which will be launched at Ulsan Hyundai Heavy Industries, is Cheonan. The government named the 7th ship "Cheonan" at the request of the Cheonan bereaved families association and the Cheonan Foundation. President Moon Jae-in also announced in his commemorative speech at the "6th West Sea Defense Day" held at the Navy 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, last March, that the 7th Daegu-class frigate was named "Cheonan." Accordingly, many attendees were originally expected at the launching ceremony, including former Captain Choi, surviving Cheonan crew members, and families of the soldiers who died during the attack.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised that the propulsion system of the FFG-II 7th ship, named Cheonan, which is to be launched, may have defects.

From the 1st to the 4th ships of the FFG-II, scratching has occurred on the thrust bearings and propeller shafts, and the cause is currently under analysis. There is a possibility that similar issues could occur on the 7th ship as well.

Regarding this, Seo Yong-won, spokesperson for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, responded at the Ministry of National Defense briefing that, "It cannot be concluded definitively, but it is possible."

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