"Paid for Soldiers' Meals" Good Deeds Continue... Defense Minister "Thanks on Behalf of Troops"

"Regretful Unable to Thank Anonymous Source Directly"

Recently, as heartwarming stories of citizens paying for meals or coffee for soldiers in uniform have been circulating online, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun expressed his gratitude.

Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 18th, Minister Kim Yong-hyun conveyed through Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-gyu, "I have heard that recently, citizens have been showing their affectionate support by paying for the food of our military personnel at restaurants and cafes." He added, "Since these stories have spread anonymously, it is very regrettable that we cannot personally thank or express our gratitude. On behalf of our 500,000 armed forces personnel, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks through the media." Minister Kim also stated, "Our military will continue to steadfastly protect the Republic of Korea," and "We ask for the continued love and support of the people."

The Defense Ministry announced that from June 16 to the 17th of this month, six heartwarming stories were posted online about citizens paying for meals or coffee for soldiers in uniform. On the military-related Facebook page 'Delivering on behalf of the Army Training Center' (Yukdaejeon), a story was shared on June 16 about a woman who gave a cake to an Army soldier drinking coffee at a cafe in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, saying, "Enjoy your meal." On the 23rd of the same month, a story gained attention about a Special Warfare Command soldier eating at a gukbap (soup with rice) restaurant near the base, where an elderly man sitting opposite paid for the meal, saying "Thank you for your hard work," and the restaurant owner provided drinks as a complimentary service. On the 17th, a story was posted about two young men who, while on leave, paid for the meal of an Air Force soldier dining near the terminal in Wonju, Gangwon Province. When the soldier expressed his thanks, they reportedly said, "This is not pity at all," and added, "We are grateful that you protect our country. We hope the world becomes a warmer place," before shaking hands.

Meanwhile, in October of last year, a cafe employee who wrote the phrase "Thank you for protecting our country" on the lid of a drink ordered by a soldier received a direct thank-you from the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. At that time, Minister Park Min-sik initially intended to gift the cafe employee a tablet PC, but the employee politely declined, saying, "I always think that small actions can bring great joy to someone, so I cannot accept a large gift," and added, "I would rather donate to national veterans."