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"Our country is the only divided nation in the world. Because of this, many people suffer injuries or lose their lives due to provocations from North Korea. I hope the treatment for these individuals can be further improved, and that the public shows more interest in this matter."

Lee Han, who participated in the 2025 Canada Invictus Games, is being interviewed by the press on the 11th (local time) at the Whistler Snowboard Stadium. Photo by the Whistler (Canada) Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Joint Press Corps

Lee Han (34, photo), who is participating in the ‘2025 Canada Invictus Games (7th World Warrior Athlete Games)’, said in an interview with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs joint press corps just before competing in the snowboarding event on the 11th (local time) in Whistler, Canada, "I decided to participate in the Invictus Games because I thought it would help improve compensation and treatment for disabled veterans and raise their status."

Lee is a disabled veteran who suffered shrapnel wounds during North Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island shelling provocation in 2010. He was a private who had only been enlisted for a few months when he was injured by North Korea’s 122mm multiple rocket launcher, sustaining shrapnel wounds to his face, left leg, and two other areas. After receiving treatment for six months, he returned to his unit, the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong unit, and was discharged honorably as a sergeant.

He currently supports legal and psychological counseling for disabled veterans at the Seoul Youth Disabled Veterans Counseling Center. Additionally, having experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he starred last year in the play ‘Yeonpyeong,’ which is based on the Yeonpyeong Island shelling battle.

Lee said, "The Yeonpyeong Island shelling was a turning point that completely changed my life. It is sad and angering that some lost their lives, but I believe I am alive today because of them, so I try to live my life even more diligently." At that time, two soldiers from our Marine Corps Yeonpyeong unit were killed and 16 were injured. Two civilians also died and three were wounded.

He will compete in five events at this competition: snowboarding, indoor rowing, swimming, sitting volleyball, and skeleton. He said, "I find meaning in just participating and will do my best. Rather than focusing on winning medals, I emphasize rehabilitation through sports, and I like the atmosphere of harmony with athletes from other countries."