Awarding the Hwarang Military Merit Medal to Korean War Veterans Surviving After 71 Years

Jung-gu, Seoul Awards Hwarang Military Merit Medal to 6.25 War Veteran Choi Hak-mok (95)

The 'Hwarang Military Merit Medal,' lost to its owner 71 years ago, has finally returned to its rightful owner.

Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Kim Gil-seong) announced that at 11 a.m. on the 6th, the Hwarang Military Merit Medal was presented to Choi Hak-mok (95), a veteran of the 6.25 War.

Corporal Choi Hak-mok enlisted on March 3, 1951, and served at the 1st Army Hospital. In recognition of his service, it was decided in November 1952 to award him the Military Merit Medal. Due to urgent circumstances at the time, the medal was not delivered and has only now found its owner.

Corporal Choi Hak-mok and his spouse Lee Kyung-sook are both veteran couples. Lee Kyung-sook served as an irregular soldier in the 8240 Songho Unit under the UN forces and participated as a member of guerrilla units in the Hwanghae-do area. Lee Kyung-sook passed away in 2019.

The Ministry of National Defense is conducting a project to locate and award Military Merit Medals to those who were designated as recipients during the 6.25 War but have not yet received their medals.

Jung-gu joined this project and, upon learning that veteran Choi Hak-mok resides in the area, presented the medal on behalf of the government.

With most war heroes having passed away, Jung-gu held the award ceremony with the highest honors to brighten the glorious moment of personally delivering the medal to a surviving veteran.

Due to his advanced age of 95 and mobility difficulties, Mr. Choi Hak-mok was transported by a courtesy vehicle from his home to Jung-gu Office, where the event was held. As the military band played a march in the lobby on the first floor of the district office, the medal recipient got out of the car and entered in a wheelchair.

About 100 people, including representatives from the Army Headquarters, the Integrated Defense Council, veterans’ organizations, residents, and Jung-gu Office staff, warmly welcomed the veteran with enthusiastic applause. Afterwards, Mayor Kim Gil-seong presented the medal and certificate.

"It is worth living until this day"

Recalling his memories of the war, Mr. Choi expressed his feelings. Despite his hearing difficulties, he loudly said, “Thank you for organizing such a large event,” and conveyed his gratitude to the officials and residents who joined the celebration.

In his congratulatory speech, Mayor Kim Gil-seong said, “Today is a meaningful day as the Hwarang Military Merit Medal, decided during the 6.25 War, finally returns to its owner after 71 years.” He added, “I am especially happy and honored to personally deliver it to Mr. Choi Hak-mok while he is still alive.” Furthermore, he stated, “We will never forget the noble sacrifice and dedication of those who devoted their youth for the country and will continue to ensure that respect for our heroes is never neglected.”

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