KLPGA Park Min-ji Becomes Mentor for Children of Cheonan Ship Fallen Soldiers

Mentor Role for Student Choi Eui-Young, Child of the Late Sergeant Cho Jeong-Hwan

Park Min-ji, the 2021 and 2022 Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) money list leader and multiple tournament winner, will serve as a mentor for the children of the Cheonan naval ship victims.

On the 29th, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced that Park Min-ji has been appointed as an 'Elite Veterans Promotion Ambassador.'

Park Min-ji is a 'veterans family' member as the granddaughter of the late soldier Park Yoo-hee, who died in the line of duty. From 2014 to 2016, she was supported as a 'Golf Dream Tree Scholarship Student' by 88CC. Now recognized as a leading player sweeping both the money list and multiple wins, she is also serving as the KLPGA promotional model for two consecutive years.

Along with her appointment as an 'Elite Veterans Promotion Ambassador,' Park Min-ji will also take on the role of mentor for Choi Ui-young (14), the child of the late Sergeant Choi Jeong-hwan, a Cheonan naval ship casualty, who was selected as a Golf Dream Tree Scholarship Student by 88CC. Following the appointment ceremony, a 'Heroes Family Program Mentor-Mentee Matching' event between Park Min-ji and Choi Ui-young will take place. Singer Hyun-sook, who sponsors Choi Ui-young’s training expenses and golf apparel, will also attend to offer support.

Park Min-ji expressed, "I am deeply honored to be selected as an Elite Veterans Promotion Ambassador by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. As a golfer, I will do my best to ensure that those who sacrificed for the country receive respect and honor." She added, "I have always believed in being someone who helps others, so I am happy to be a mentor to Choi Ui-young, who comes from a veterans family. I will do my utmost to make my experience helpful to Ui-young."

Choi Ui-young shared, "I have never seen my father’s face, but I often take out his photo to remember him. I want to become an excellent player like Park Min-ji unnie and make my father in heaven proud," expressing her feelings.

Meanwhile, on the 30th at 11 a.m., Park Min-sik, the head of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, is scheduled to present the appointment plaque to Park Min-ji at 88CC in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which operates under the ministry. Since 2009, 88CC has been running a golf talent scholarship program for 13 years. This program has produced 45 professional players, including Park Min-ji, Choi Hye-jin, Lee So-young, Kim Min-kyu, and 18 national representatives.