[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The late Jo Oh-ryeon, known as the 'Swimming Hero,' will be buried at the National Daejeon National Cemetery.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 7th that, as the deceased was designated as a national social contributor and eligible for burial in the national cemetery, the National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Committee held a meeting and made this decision.
The Ministry explained that this decision was made under the 'Act on the Establishment and Operation of National Cemeteries,' as the individual was awarded a medal for being a person who made significant contributions to the nation or society.
The Ministry plans to consult with the bereaved family and bury the remains of the deceased in the national social contributor section of the Daejeon National Cemetery.
Jo Oh-ryeon won two double gold medals in the freestyle 400m and 1,500m at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games and the 1974 Tehran Asian Games, earning the nickname 'Seal of Asia.'
He also received the Blue Dragon Medal, the first-class sports medal, in 1980 for his contributions to enhancing national prestige through swimming, including crossing the Korea Strait.
He suddenly passed away from a heart attack on August 4, 2009, at the age of 57.
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