A Rising Star Who Won Three Consecutive National Titles Against Boys
Wrote a Handwritten Letter to the County Office: "I Want to Join the UDU"
An elementary school student and promising wrestling prospect has drawn attention after it was revealed that she sent a handwritten letter to President Lee Jaemyung, asking that women be allowed to join the Navy Special Intelligence Unit (UDU).
According to Yonhap News on December 14, Lim Hakyung, a sixth grader at Yakdong Elementary School in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province, visited the planning office at the Chilgok County Office on December 13. Lim reportedly handed over her handwritten letter to a staff member in the planning office, asking, "Please make sure this reaches the President."
In her letter, Lim wrote, "I am Lim Hakyung, a girl who wrestles. I want to join the UDU special forces unit where my father served. Please allow women to join. I will work hard and win an Olympic gold medal." She also added that she would be waiting for a reply.
Elementary school wrestling prospect Ha-kyung Lim has made headlines by sending a message to President Lee Jae-myung requesting that women be allowed to join the Navy Special Intelligence Unit (UDU). Photo by Yonhap News
The UDU is an elite Navy special forces unit that conducts high-level maritime and underwater infiltration operations. Lim is said to have been inspired to pursue her dream of joining the unit by her father, Lim Jonggu (age 50), who is a UDU veteran. He often told his daughter, "Without a country, I am nothing," and "Never give up until you succeed." Hearing these words, Lim set her sights on joining the UDU, aspiring to become as strong as her father.
However, upon recently learning that the UDU does not currently recruit female soldiers, Lim decided to take action herself. She told her family and acquaintances, "Then I will ask the President directly," and wrote a handwritten letter before visiting the county office.
Despite having only started wrestling a year ago, Lim has already become the top-ranked elementary school wrestler in the combined boys and girls 60kg freestyle division. She honed her skills by training with male students and, with her specialty in tackles, secured three consecutive individual championships: at the National Wrestling Competition in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province in April; the KBS Yang Jungmo Olympic Victory Memorial National Wrestling Competition in June; and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism National Student Wrestling Championship.
Kim Jaewook, the mayor of Chilgok County, stated, "Lim Hakyung, who has shown strong will and achievement, is a source of pride for the region. We will continue to support her so she can freely pursue her dreams."
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