First Female Brigade Commander Cadet in Korea Military Academy History Leads Commissioning Ceremony for the First Time
President's Award Presented to Second Lieutenant Kim Dongil
On the afternoon of the 27th, the Army held the ‘81st Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony’ at the Korea Military Academy located in Nowon-gu, Seoul, presided over by Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho. The event was attended by over 2,000 guests, including graduates’ families and relatives, senior government and military officials, and foreign military attach?s.
The 231 graduates of the 81st class of the Korea Military Academy (including 8 foreign cadets), who entered in 2021, cultivated the qualities and capabilities to become elite officers leading the future of the Army under the motto ‘Ji-In-Yong (Wisdom, Benevolence, Courage)’ over four years. Depending on their majors, the graduates earned dual degrees in Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Engineering along with a Bachelor of Military Science.
The Army announced on the 27th that it held the '81st Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony' at the Korea Military Academy located in Nowon-gu, Seoul, presided over by Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho. Second Lieutenant Im Su-min, who was the battalion commander cadet of the 81st class, is reading the commissioning oath. Photo by the Army
Acting Minister Kim, who presided over the ceremony, said in his congratulatory address, “I hope you always remember that when you become warriors who embody proper loyalty and courage based on constitutional duty and responsibility, you will be truly respected by your subordinates and trusted and loved by the people.” This remark is interpreted as a reference to the December 3 emergency martial law incident, which involved many commanders who graduated from the Korea Military Academy.
The President’s Award was presented to Second Lieutenant Kim Dong-il (22, Infantry), who achieved the highest academic record, and the Representative Hwarang Award went to Second Lieutenant Cheon Seong-ho (23, Infantry). Second Lieutenant Kim Dong-il said, “Even after becoming an officer, I will not lose the mindset of constant self-improvement and diligence,” adding, “I will devote my utmost effort to become a beacon that illuminates the future of our country’s defense.”
Beyond the awardees, the stories of the new officers also drew attention. Second Lieutenant Hong Ji-min (24, Personnel) is the great-granddaughter of Park Seung-hwan, a colonel of the Korean Empire Army. Second Lieutenant Hong expressed her aspirations, saying, “Inheriting the noble spirit of my great-grandfather, I will dedicate myself to the nation and its people and contribute to the defense of the Republic of Korea,” and “As an officer, I will faithfully carry out my duties and do my best to bring honor wherever I am.”
Notably, the commissioning ceremony was conducted under the command of female cadet Second Lieutenant Lim Su-min. She is the first female brigade commander cadet in the history of the Korea Military Academy and the first female cadet to command the commissioning ceremony.
Twin sisters Second Lieutenant Song Jeong-min (23, Infantry) and Second Lieutenant Song Su-min (23, Infantry) entered the academy together, supported each other throughout their four years as cadets, and were commissioned as Army second lieutenants. Older sister Second Lieutenant Song Jeong-min said, “With the sense of responsibility and mission learned at the Korea Military Academy, I will become a strong soldier and a leading officer who sets an example.”
Meanwhile, the new officers will receive training in the New Officer Command and Staff Course at their respective branch schools from March to June and will be assigned to field units at the end of June.
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