Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do: "Rapidly Changing Security Environment Highlights Importance of Reserve Forces ... Expanded Administrative and Financial Support"

by Lee Seryeong

Published 03 Apr.2026 18:37(KST)

On April 3, Gyeongsangnam-do held a ceremony commemorating the 58th Reserve Forces Day at the Chungmu Art Hall of the 39th Infantry Division in Haman.

Approximately 350 people attended the ceremony, including Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, Kim Jeongdo, Commander of the 39th Infantry Division, heads of local governments within the province, reserve force commanders, and female reservists.

The event proceeded with the reading of a congratulatory message from the President, presentation of awards to contributors to the development and advancement of the reserve forces, commemorative speeches, congratulatory addresses, the singing of the Reserve Forces Song, and a celebratory performance.

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do Province (center), is performing the national salute at the 58th Reserve Forces Day commemorative ceremony. Photo provided by Gyeongsangnam-do Province

Governor Park stated, "Due to rapidly changing security circumstances, such as the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, as well as the fast-evolving nature of warfare with technologies like drones and digital combat, the role of the reserve forces is becoming even more crucial in responding to these situations."

He continued, "Gyeongsangnam-do is working on establishing scientific training centers for the reserve forces and strengthening defense capabilities. Going forward, we will further expand administrative and financial support."

He also added, "Gyeongnam possesses the nation's highest level of capability in integrated defense, and just as we are achieving results in various fields such as the regional economy and employment, we must continue to play a leading role in integrated defense as well."

Reserve Forces Day is a legally designated commemorative day, observed annually on the first Friday of April, established to allow all reservists to reaffirm their commitment to national defense.

The reserve forces were established in response to the so-called 'Kim Shinjo Incident' on January 21, 1968, when armed spies from North Korea infiltrated as far as the Segeomjeong pass in Seoul in an attempt to attack the Blue House.

Under the slogan "I will protect my hometown and my workplace," the reservists act as guardians of the region, protecting the lives and property of local residents not only in national defense but also at various disaster sites.