President Moon Awards Samjeonggeom to Newly Promoted Brigadier Generals... "Gyeonlisa's Duty to Protect the Nation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the afternoon of the 16th, President Moon Jae-in encouraged attendees at the reception following the Samjeonggeom sword presentation ceremony for newly promoted brigadier generals, saying, "Fulfill your mission with the responsibility of 'Gyeon-ri-sa-ui (見利思義) and Gyeon-wi-su-myeong (見危授命).'"

'Gyeon-ri-sa-ui Gyeon-wi-su-myeong' is a maxim by An Jung-geun meaning "When you see benefit, think of justice; when facing danger, give your life."

President Moon emphasized in the presence of 76 newly promoted generals from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, along with their spouses and families, "The reason we have maintained peace and developed the economy so far is entirely because our military has steadfastly protected the nation and its people."

He continued, "As leaders of the military and society, I ask you, as generals, to be the first to watch over the nation to prevent any danger, and to take the lead in overcoming crises when the country faces them."

President Moon stated that although the peace on the Korean Peninsula was in serious jeopardy immediately after his inauguration in 2017, peace has been maintained through strong defense capabilities and security, adding, "While the declaration of the end of the war is the role of diplomacy, supporting it with the power of defense is the military's responsibility."

He also added, "To become a strong military, not only advanced weapons but also soldier welfare, human rights protection, and a culture of gender equality are necessary."

President Moon explained the background of personally presenting the Samjeonggeom swords in this administration, a role previously performed by the Minister of National Defense in past governments, saying, "There is no moment as emotionally overwhelming and glorious as being promoted and receiving your first star as a soldier."

In the remarks from the promoted officers, Brigadier General Ha Heon-cheol of the Army, who was in charge of vaccine transportation support, said, "While transporting vaccines in response to transnational threats, I felt that soldiers exist for the nation and its people." Brigadier General Park Tae-gyu of the Navy, who was responsible for repatriating the remains of General Hong Beom-do, expressed, "We upheld the pride of the Republic of Korea."

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