Governor Kim Dongyeon Visits Gapyeong Maengho Unit,
Home of the Late Major Kang Jaegu,
to Express Gratitude for Devoted Flood Recovery Efforts
11th On-Site Public Livelihood and Economy Tour Held in Gapyeong on the 17th
Commendations Presented to Maengho Unit for Summer Flood Recovery Support
On the 17th, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon visited the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, also known as the "Maengho Unit," located in Gapyeong County, to express his gratitude and present commendations to the soldiers who devotedly assisted with flood recovery efforts during the heavy rains this summer. This visit was part of Governor Kim's 11th on-site tour focused on public livelihood and the economy.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon visited the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, also known as the "Maengho Unit," located in Gapyeong County on the 17th. He expressed his gratitude to the soldiers who devotedly supported flood recovery efforts during the heavy rain this summer and took a commemorative photo afterward. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
Governor Kim told the soldiers, "During the recent flood in Gapyeong, the members of the Maengho Unit provided truly dedicated and significant help," adding, "I was deeply impressed by the soldiers who volunteered with bright smiles on their faces, even while wearing clothes soaked in sweat."
He emphasized, "The military ensures the safety of the people, and the people, in turn, give the military its honor. Peace drives the economy, and what supports peace is a strong national defense and our collective strength." He expressed Gyeonggi Province's commitment to providing maximum support and cooperation to military units devoted to national defense and resident safety, especially as a border region.
On this day, Governor Kim presented commendations to the unit and six individuals recognized for their contributions to flood recovery, as well as consolation money from Gyeonggi Province. Among the awardees, Private Hwang Sangbo volunteered for civilian support even as a private, and Sergeant Choi Hyeongho responded to eight dispatches and later applied to become a contract non-commissioned officer, highlighting the dedication of Maengho Unit soldiers.
During the heavy rains in July and August, a cumulative total of 20,581 Maengho Unit members were deployed to assist with missing person searches, restoration of flooded homes, and removal of debris.
Governor Kim also recalled the tradition and history of the unit by mentioning the late Major Kang Jaegu, a Maengho Unit veteran who, in 1965, sacrificed himself to save his subordinates during a grenade accident.
Division Commander Kang Seonggu said, "It is doubly gratifying that the governor has recognized all our efforts. The governor's visit will serve as a major source of pride for our division's future combat capabilities and mission performance." He then instructed the commanders, who were watching via video, to salute the governor on the spot, saying, "Attention, salute to the governor."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon visited the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, also known as the "Maengho Unit," located in Gapyeong County on the 17th. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers who devotedly supported flood recovery efforts during the heavy rains this summer, awarded them commendations, and took a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
The Maengho Unit was established in 1949 in Yongsan as the Capital Security Command and was reorganized in 1973 as South Korea's first mechanized infantry division. It was one of the units deployed to the Vietnam War and is still considered one of the elite main forces.
The late Major Kang Jaegu, who saved the lives of his subordinates by covering a dropped grenade with his body during a training exercise in 1965, was a member of this unit. Major Kang graduated from the Korea Military Academy and volunteered for the Maengho Unit's Vietnam deployment in August 1965. During a live-fire training session with his company before deployment, a soldier accidentally mishandled a grenade, putting the entire company at risk. Major Kang shielded the grenade with his body, saving his subordinates but sacrificing himself. He was 28 years old at the time.
To prevent military personnel deployed to disaster sites from being exposed to risk, Gyeonggi Province has been operating the "Gyeonggi Province Disaster Recovery Support Military Personnel Injury Insurance Program" since last year. If soldiers mobilized for disaster recovery operations such as floods, heavy snow, or accidents in the province suffer unexpected accidents while on duty, Gyeonggi Province fully covers their insurance premiums.
Following the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae in July 2023, Gyeonggi Province enacted the nation's first "Ordinance on Ensuring the Safety and Support of Military Personnel in Disaster Recovery Operations" in May 2024.
Last year, 1,567 soldiers from six cities and counties enrolled in the insurance program, and this year, 3,155 soldiers from five cities and counties have joined. This initiative is spreading to other regions, including North Jeolla, North Chungcheong, and Gangwon Provinces.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon is visiting the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, also known as the "Maengho Unit," located in Gapyeong County on the 17th, delivering consolation money to Division Commander Kang Seonggu. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
On the same day, Governor Kim Dongyeon had lunch with three flood victims in Gapyeong-eup who have not yet been able to return home, offering words of comfort. These individuals have been staying in private accommodations since their homes were destroyed by the heavy rains in July, pending completion of repairs. Gapyeong was declared a special disaster zone on July 22, and recovery efforts are nearing completion with the allocation of 8.6 billion won in emergency aid, 27.1 billion won in provincial funds for restoring communications, electricity, and roads, and 12.1 billion won in disaster relief funds.
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