[Column] The Names Who Defended the West Sea: The Weight of Peace We Must Remember

Shin Hyunjung, Employment Education Team Leader, Busan Regional Veterans Office


"Everyday Life Built on Sacrifice Must Never Be Forgotten"

The fourth Friday of March every year is designated as "West Sea Defense Day." Marking its 11th anniversary this year, this government memorial day was established to honor the sacrifice of service members who gave their lives defending the West Sea, and to remind us of the true meaning of the peace we enjoy today.

The West Sea is not only a source of abundance and livelihood for us, but it is also a site of tension. Incidents such as the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the sinking of the Cheonan warship, and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island were not mere military clashes by North Korea, but fierce battlegrounds where the Republic of Korea's territory and its people were defended.

The Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, which took place on June 29, 2002, was an engagement south of the Northern Limit Line near Yeonpyeong Island, resulting in the deaths of six Republic of Korea Navy sailors. Later, on March 26, 2010, the sinking of the Cheonan occurred in waters southwest of Baengnyeong Island while a navy vessel was on a patrol mission. The ship was sunk by a surprise torpedo attack from a North Korean submarine, leaving 46 sailors lost to the cold sea.

On November 23 of the same year, North Korea launched a large-scale artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island, inflicting severe casualties not only among soldiers but also civilians, causing destruction of civilian homes and fires. This was a highly significant military provocation, as it was the first time since the Korean War that a civilian area in our territory had been directly attacked.

In particular, during the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the crew of the navy patrol boat stood their ground and fought to the end, while in the Cheonan incident, young sailors lost their lives in the line of duty. In the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, both the military and civilians suffered, once again highlighting the horrors of war. Their sacrifice is not just a number; each represents a precious life and dream given in noble dedication.

Countless service members have devoted their youth to protecting the country and its people, and their sacrifice is a history our society must remember and a value to be passed on to future generations. The reason we commemorate this day goes beyond simply mourning the past. It is to reaffirm that the peace we enjoy today is built upon their noble sacrifices.

As the saying goes, "History forgotten is history repeated." Remembering is not an act confined to the past, but a starting point for a more peaceful future. The peaceful daily life we have now was by no means given to us for free. The dedication of those who defend the nation out of sight, and the sacrifice of countless unnamed soldiers, are what support the Republic of Korea today.

The Busan Regional Veterans Office will hold the 11th West Sea Defense Day commemorative ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on March 27 in the main auditorium on the first floor of Busan City Hall. More than 700 people, including citizens and students, are expected to attend the event, which is co-hosted by the Busan Metropolitan Government and the Busan Branch of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, to pay tribute to the noble spirit of the fallen service members.

It is hoped that this commemorative ceremony will go beyond a simple event and serve as a moment for all of us to once again remember their sacrifice and reflect on the value of peace. To never forget the names of those who defended the West Sea is, above all, the most certain way to safeguard the peace we have today.

Shin Hyunjung, Head of Employment Education Team at Busan Regional Office of Veterans Affairs.

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