A War Hero Embraced by Family with This One Spoon
[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The identity of the remains unearthed at Baengmagoji in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, has been confirmed for the first time. The remains have been identified as the late Corporal Kim Ilsu (current rank Sergeant).
On the 7th, according to the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation and Identification Team (hereafter referred to as the National Remains Team), Corporal Kim belonged to the 30th Regiment of the 9th Division and is presumed to have died in action in October 1952 during the Korean War, while defending Baengmagoji in northern Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, against Chinese forces for about 10 days during one of the fiercest battles of the war.
At that time, the South Korean military fought 12 battles to secure the strategically important Baengmagoji, with records indicating that control of the hill changed hands seven times, resulting in a massive bloodbath.
The remains were recovered last year with only parts of the skull and lower body remaining. Numerous personal effects were also found at the site, including a spoon, combat boots, a field shovel, and M1 ammunition. The National Remains Team explained that the identification was possible through a "clue" found on the spoon, which bore writing believed to indicate the surname Kim, and through DNA analysis of genetic samples previously obtained from the family.
Corporal Kim had worked in agriculture during his lifetime, supporting a struggling family, and enlisted at the age of twenty with the farewell of his village residents when the war broke out. His mother passed away in 1989 while waiting for news of her son.
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His younger brother, Kim Young-hwan (75), said, "When I received the call confirming my brother's identity, I was so embarrassed and sorry for having suspected it was a 'voice phishing' scam." He added, "Just having my brother return as remains after 70 years is as joyful as if he were alive." The Ministry of National Defense plans to prepare a return ceremony and burial service in consultation with the family.
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