President Moon and First Lady's Surprise Visit to Baengnyeongdo in the West Sea... "Honoring the Spirit of the Cheonan Ship Heroes"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in and the First Lady made a surprise visit to Baengnyeongdo Island in the West Sea on the 23rd to commend the efforts of frontline Marine Corps soldiers and paid respects at the Cheonanham War Heroes Memorial Tower.

President Moon arrived at Baengnyeongdo by helicopter that morning and paid tribute at the 'Cheonanham 46 War Heroes Memorial Tower,' saying, "I hope the public will visit Baengnyeongdo often so that the spirit of the Cheonanham heroes can be remembered for a long time."

At the site, he also inquired whether Lieutenant Han Ju-ho, who died in the line of duty during the Cheonanham search operation, was being commemorated. Marine Corps Commander Kim Tae-sung explained, "On the West Sea Defense Day, we are commemorating the Cheonanham heroes together."

Following this, President Moon listened to a briefing on the unit's status at the Marine Brigade Headquarters command and control center and then went up to the forward observation post (OP) to encourage the soldiers.

President Moon said, "Baengnyeongdo is the area with the highest military density," and acknowledged the difficulties soldiers face, such as working under tension and being unable to leave the island even during leave or outings, expressing special gratitude and encouragement.

Concerned about their health in the cold winter weather, President Moon presented the OP duty soldiers with winter care kits consisting of neck warmers, moisturizing cream, hand cream, and lip care products. These kits were also distributed to all soldiers of the Marine Brigade Headquarters, Army, and Air Force immediately after the event.

President Moon then shared a meal and conversation with commanders at the Marine Brigade dining hall. Commander Kim emphasized, "As loyal defenders of the nation, the Marines will fulfill their duties as a national strategic mobile force whenever and whatever mission is assigned." President Moon responded, "While receiving reports from the Marines, I was reminded of the phrase 'always on the battlefield' (恒在戰場), reflecting their constant readiness."

President Moon encouraged the troops by saying, "This is a strategically very important and militarily tense area, but it is reassuring that the Marines are assigned this mission with support from the Army, Navy, and Air Force," and stressed, "While the Marines undergo rigorous training and strict discipline, the human rights and welfare of the soldiers are equally important."

He also introduced that a Korean cuisine chef from the Blue House personally came to prepare meals together with the cooks, saying, "You probably cannot spend Christmas and the year-end holidays with your families, so please take comfort in having a meal with the President and the First Lady."

During the commanders' remarks after lunch, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Park Byung-geon (Infantry Battalion Commander) said, "President Moon's security philosophy of 'peace through strength' is being fully realized without gaps even here on Baengnyeongdo, the northernmost part of the Republic of Korea, and we are making every effort with all our heart." Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kim Ki-tae (Logistics Support Battalion Commander) pledged, "Including soldiers in COVID-19 quarantine, we will provide and manage meals for soldiers stationed on islands with a parental heart to become a Marine Corps trusted by the people."

Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Jung-sook held a separate meeting with female soldiers and female civilian personnel at the Marine Brigade to listen to their concerns and difficulties.

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