Yoon: "Coast Guard Must Protect the Sea for New Maritime Power Development"

President Yoon Attends 70th Anniversary Ceremony of Korea Coast Guard
"Healing Tired Bodies and Minds... Government Will Do Its Best"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 28th, "When the Coast Guard safely protects our seas, the Republic of Korea can develop into a solid new maritime power leading the global market."

President Yoon attended the 70th anniversary 'Coast Guard Day' ceremony held at the Ara West Sea Lock in Incheon that afternoon, saying, "I hope you will make every effort to thoroughly prepare for maritime accidents and respond swiftly to protect the lives and safety of the people at sea."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is observing a moment of silence for the fallen patriots and war heroes at the 70th Marine Police Day ceremony held on the 28th at the Ara West Sea Lock Gate in Seo-gu, Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

This ceremony was the first Coast Guard commemoration that President Yoon attended since taking office, organized to encourage the Coast Guard, which has devoted itself to protecting maritime sovereignty and public safety over the past 70 years. Before the ceremony, President Yoon visited the Gyeongin Port Maritime Traffic Control Center to encourage the staff working 24 hours to ensure the safe navigation of vessels and connected via video call with Coast Guard ships, urging them to do their best in carrying out their missions.

In his commemorative speech, President Yoon expressed deep gratitude to the Coast Guard officers and their families who are fulfilling their duties on the front lines at this very moment, saying, "I pay tribute to the fallen and deceased Coast Guard officers and offer my deepest condolences to their bereaved families."

He especially emphasized preparedness for maritime accidents, stating, "When the Coast Guard safely protects our seas, the Republic of Korea can develop into a solid new maritime power leading the global market." He also promised government-level support. President Yoon said, "I understand the immense difficulties faced while fighting desperately to rescue lives in rough and harsh conditions," and added, "The government will do its utmost to support you so that your tired bodies and minds can be healed even a little."

Meanwhile, the ceremony was graced by the bereaved families of the late Sergeant Jo Dong-su, who died in the line of duty during maritime border missions, along with seven other families of fallen Coast Guard officers. Also present were Namhaeuri Gun, who was born on a ship in rough seas and is now a high school student, and Sergeant Yang Seung-ho, who was rescued by the Coast Guard as a child and has since become a Coast Guard officer himself, now protecting the lives of other citizens.

Government awards were also presented to three employees, including Chief Kim Won-tae, and one organization. President Yoon personally awarded the Order of Service Merit to Chief Kim Won-tae for contributing to the enhancement of public convenience and safety order; the Presidential Citation to Officer Kim In-gu for contributions to marine environmental preservation and to Sergeant Ahn Jin-seop for contributions to establishing maritime crime order; and the Presidential Group Citation to the Ulsan Branch of the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation for contributions to securing safety in the shipping and port sectors.

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