Ruling and Opposition Parties Commemorate Second Battle of Yeonpyeong Heroes: "Strengthening National Defense"

On June 29, both the ruling and opposition parties commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, vowing to honor the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives at the time and to build a strong national defense.

On the 29th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the '23rd Anniversary Ceremony of the Victory in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong' held at Chungmu Hill, the Naval 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Hyunjung, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a commentary, "We pray for the souls of the Yeonpyeong naval heroes who gave their lives to defend our nation's seas," adding, "We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the nineteen soldiers who were wounded at the time."

Kim emphasized, "We will never forget the devotion to the nation shown by Major Yoon Youngha, Sergeant Major Han Sangguk, Sergeant Major Cho Chunhyeong, Sergeant Hwang Dohyun, Sergeant Seo Huwon, and Corporal Park Donghyuk. The Democratic Party will ensure that the noble sacrifice and dedication of these heroes are not in vain by establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, so that our people can live safe and secure lives."

She added, "We will further strengthen our national defense so that no one dares to provoke us. We pray for the eternal rest of the Yeonpyeong heroes and all those who have defended our country, and we express our gratitude to the service members of our armed forces who are devoted to national defense today."

The People Power Party issued a statement condemning North Korea's militarism and focusing on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Ho Junseok, spokesperson, said, "Even during the previous left-leaning governments that attempted unconditional dialogue, North Korea's nuclear and missile development and military provocations never ceased. It has been clearly proven that only overwhelming deterrence, the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and trilateral military cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan can guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula. Nevertheless, there are still those who advocate 'blind pro-North' policies and beg for peace."

Ho pledged, "The People Power Party will protect peace on the Korean Peninsula with a strong national defense and build a Republic of Korea where those who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the nation are respected. We will forever remember Major Yoon Youngha, Sergeant Major Han Sangguk, Sergeant Cho Chunhyeong, Sergeant Hwang Dohyun, Sergeant Seo Huwon, and Corporal Park Donghyuk, who died defending our seas, along with their families and all the wounded soldiers."

Han Donghoon, former party leader, who attended the commemorative event at the 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek along with Kim Yongtae, interim leader, and others, wrote on Facebook, "On that day, the Republic of Korea Navy achieved victory. I will pursue good politics to build a strong and safe nation."