[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The remains and personal effects of the late Private Son Jung-cheol, who died during the Korean War, are being returned to his family.
On the 25th, the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation and Identification Team and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs jointly held the 'Return of the National Defense Hero' event to deliver the remains and personal effects of the late Private Son Jung-cheol, who died during the Korean War, to his bereaved family. The remains of Private Son, returned to his family on this day, were excavated in June 2009 around Jidong-ri, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, but his identity was confirmed only after 12 years.
At the event held in the main conference room of Andong City Hall, Gyeongbuk, a notification of identification of the fallen soldier was delivered to the family representative, and the progress of the remains excavation was explained.
Lee Nam-woo, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, presented the family representative with the 'Return Plaque of the National Defense Hero,' symbolizing the highest honor for the national defense hero, and the 'Spirit of National Defense Box' containing the fallen soldier's personal effects.
The deceased's son, Son Tae-gyu (73), said, "I participated in the DNA sample collection for the family of the fallen soldier, but I never thought we could find my father," and with tears in his eyes added, "I don't know how many tears I shed thinking that I would really meet my father like this."
Son, who had longed for his father who never returned after participating in the Korean War, happened to see the phrase "Looking for families of Korean War fallen soldiers" on TV in 2019. Afterwards, he contacted the Remains Excavation and Identification Team to participate in DNA sample collection, and eventually found his father's remains. The deceased was born in January 1930 in Iljik-myeon, Andong City, Gyeongbuk, as the eldest son among three sons and three daughters. He worked in farming and married at age 19 in 1949, having one son.
The joy of starting a family was short-lived as he went to war, leaving behind his wife and young only son. He served in the Republic of Korea Army's 8th Division and died during the Battle of Bohyeonsan in northern Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk (August 13 to September 4, 1950). After 59 years since his death, his fully intact remains were excavated along with seven personal effects including combat boots by soldiers of the Marine Corps 1st Division. His wife, who had long hoped for her husband's return, passed away in 1995 due to an illness.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to hold a burial ceremony at the National Cemetery after consulting with the bereaved family.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
