"Rest in Peace, Young Chae Sangbyeong... Memorial Rite Held in Yecheon"

Last summer, heavy rains swept through Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, claiming the lives of 17 people. Marine Corps member Chae Soogeun, who participated in the search for missing persons, tragically lost his young life in Naeseongcheon. On the first anniversary of the disaster, residents of Yecheon have come together to hold a requiem ceremony to honor and console those who have passed away.

Promotional Material Announcing the Jinhonje Ceremony

The group "People Preparing the Yecheon Requiem Ceremony" announced that the event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the 6th near Gopyeonggyo Bridge on Naeseongcheon in Wolpo Ecological Park, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon County. The group stated, "We have prepared this requiem ceremony in the hope that the souls of those who have left us may be sent to a beautiful place and that those still living may find comfort in each other."

The ceremony will begin with a traditional pungmul performance to honor the deceased, followed by memorial speeches, tribute performances, a salpuri dance, and a haegeum performance. In the second part, participants will offer a single white chrysanthemum to the flowing waters of Naeseongcheon.

Lee Eunkyung (farmer), who has been preparing the event, said, "I remember the devastation, helplessness, and prolonged sadness of last summer," and added, "I hope this will be a time for us to pray for the peace of those who have left and for all of us to find comfort in each other."

Poet Ahn Dohyun also commented, "Last summer, I watched as Chae Soogeun, a Marine Corps member, was tragically swept away by Naeseongcheon, which I can see from my house. Since then, it has been difficult for me to look at Naeseongcheon with peace of mind," and continued, "Some acquaintances living in Yecheon have personally prepared this requiem ceremony. Though small and modest, I hope it will be a heartfelt occasion to comfort the departed souls."