Seodaemun-gu Holds Homecoming Event for National Defense Heroes Returning After 74 Years

The Remains of Late Lieutenant Kim Hee-jung, a Fallen Soldier of the Korean War (6·25)

The 'Return of the National Heroes Ceremony' held on the 30th in Seodaemun-gu. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seong-heon) announced on the 31st that it held a 'Return of the National Defense Hero Ceremony' with the bereaved family of the late Lieutenant Kim Hee-jung on the 30th. The return ceremony is an event to identify the remains of fallen soldiers of the Republic of Korea Army who were not recovered during the Korean War and bring them back to their families.

The remains of the late Lieutenant Kim Hee-jung, who returned to his family, were recovered around September 2022 in the Yongsu-ri area of Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Subsequently, last month, genetic samples were collected and analyzed from the bereaved family, and a comparison with the excavated remains confirmed a nephew relationship.

Kim Chang-sik (64), a representative of the bereaved family, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Even after 74 years, I sincerely thank you for finding my uncle's remains and honoring his legacy."

Mayor Lee Seong-heon said, "We will honor the noble spirit of sacrifice of the national defense heroes who sacrificed for the country, and Seodaemun-gu will do its best to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that they receive proper respect."

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Lee Seong-heon, the head of the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Team, officials from the Army's 1st and 56th Divisions, the president of the Seodaemun branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, and the bereaved family. The event included explanations of the deceased's participation in the war and the progress of the remains excavation, as well as the presentation of the 'Spirit of National Defense' box.

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