Cheongdo-gun held a ceremony for the return of the patriotic hero, the late Private Kim Soo-deok. On the 6th, Cheongdo-gun (Governor Kim Ha-su) held a ‘patriotic hero return event’ at the birthplace of the late Private Kim Soo-deok in Seowon-ri, Iseo-myeon.
The return ceremony on this day was held in the following order: handing over the identification notice of the late Private Kim Soo-deok, head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Remains Excavation and Identification Team, handing over the ‘Heart of the Nation’ box containing the remains of the fallen, reporting on the progress of the war effort and excavation of remains, and laying flowers.
The late Private Kim Soo-deok, who returns to his family after 74 years, was born on August 20, 1932, in Iseo-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, as the fourth of four sons and five daughters. In 1950, when he was 19 years old, he left his family to serve his country. Participated in the Korean War.
The deceased was a member of the 8th Division and is presumed to have been killed in battle in the Hoengseong area of Gangwon-do in February 1951, and identification was possible because genetic samples from the bereaved family were secured.
Kim Jong-gil (76 years old), the deceased’s younger brother, said, “The family has been trying to find my brother all their lives, and we are fortunate to have found him. We hope that other heroes who have not yet returned will return to their families as soon as possible.”
Cheongdo Deputy Governor Kim Dong-gi said, “I am deeply grateful to the deceased for his dedication to saving the country from crisis.” He added, “I will join with the citizens in praying for the soul of the deceased, who has returned to his family, albeit belatedly.”
Meanwhile, the Cheongdo-eup Life Improvement Association in Cheongdo-gun (Chairman Lee Geum-seon) continues to promote side dish sharing service to share warmth and happiness among neighbors.
Every first Monday of every month, members of the Cheongdo-eup Life Improvement Association donate handmade side dishes made with a mother’s heart to the Cheongdo-eup Neighbor Love Angel refrigerator to share warm feelings with underprivileged neighbors such as the disabled and the elderly living alone in the area.
This side dish sharing service was designed to provide an opportunity to look after marginalized neighbors and the elderly living alone in the area who are in the blind spot of welfare and to increase interest in neighbors.
Cheongdo-eup Mayor Kim Yong-bu said, “Neighbor Love Angel Refrigerator’s side dish sharing has a greater meaning to the underprivileged neighbors in the district than just a meal sharing warm neighborly feelings and hearts.” He added, “Lee Geum-seon, who practices neighborly love through side dish sharing every time. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members, including Chairman Gaejeon.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Cheongdo-gun
Interview: Unraveling the Legacy of Private Kim Soo-deok
Setting: A cozy conference room adorned with historical memorabilia. The Time.news editor, Emily Park, sits across from Dr. Ji-hoon Lee, an expert in Korean War history and a consultant for the Ministry of National Defense.
Emily Park: Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us today. This recent event in Cheongdo-gun honoring Private Kim Soo-deok is truly significant. Can you share with us why this ceremony holds such importance for the community and the nation as a whole?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: Thank you for having me, Emily. The return of Private Kim Soo-deok is not just about the physical return of a soldier’s remains; it symbolizes a long-overdue healing process for many families affected by the Korean War. For 74 years, his family has lived with uncertainty, and this ceremony offers them closure, a chance to honor his sacrifice in a meaningful way.
Emily Park: Absolutely. The emotional weight of this event must be immense. Could you elaborate on how the identification process for Private Kim was achieved after so many years?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: Certainly. The identification of Private Kim was made possible through a collaboration of genetic testing and family participation. By securing genetic samples from his surviving relatives, the Ministry of National Defense was able to match them with the remains found. This method has become increasingly important in recent years, allowing for the identification of many other soldiers who were lost during the war.
Emily Park: That’s fascinating and really highlights the advancements in forensic science. How did Private Kim’s story resonate with the local community during this ceremony?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: The locals see Private Kim as a vital part of their history. His story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Korean War. During the ceremony, many shared personal stories, reflecting on their own families’ experiences. Governor Kim Ha-su, in his speech, emphasized the importance of remembering those who fought for our freedom. It unites the community in remembrance and gratitude.
Emily Park: Speaking of remembrance, what efforts are currently in place to locate other missing heroes from the war?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: There is a dedicated effort led by the Ministry of National Defense’s Remains Excavation and Identification Team. They are actively collaborating with families across the nation to gather genetic samples for these identification efforts. Moreover, they are conducting field work based on historical records to locate burial sites, which is a complex but vital task.
Emily Park: It must be challenging work to uncover these buried histories. Looking ahead, how do you think ceremonies like the one for Private Kim Soo-deok can shape the younger generation’s understanding of their nation’s history?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: These ceremonies serve as vital educational moments. They connect students and young people with the sacrifices made by their ancestors, underlining themes of duty and dedication. By engaging the youth, we help cultivate a stronger sense of patriotism and awareness of their nation’s history. It’s crucial that they learn about these heroes to understand the importance of peace and reconciliation.
Emily Park: That’s a powerful perspective, Dr. Lee. As a final thought, what message do you hope resonates from this event?
Dr. Ji-hoon Lee: I hope that this event not only brings peace to Private Kim’s family but also inspires all of us to honor our veterans continually, to remember the past, and to work towards a future where such sacrifices are not in vain. May it ignite a spirit of unity and remembrance across Korea.
Emily Park: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights today. The legacy of Private Kim Soo-deok is a reminder of our shared history and the ongoing journey toward peace.
As the interview concludes, both reflect on the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for their nation, fostering a legacy of respect and understanding for future generations.