At 24, a Name Forever in the Sky

Revisiting the Resolve of Air Force Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung in Andong

The Gyeongbuk Northern Veterans Affairs Office has selected the "Statue of Air Force Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung, a National Defense Figure," located in Dosan-myeon, Andong City, as January's "Local Memorial Facility of the Month."

This follows the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' designation of Air Force Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung, a native of Andong, as the "Korean War Hero of the Month for January 2026."

Gyeongbuk Northern Veterans Affairs Office Selects This Month's Local Memorial Facility for January

During the Korean War, Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung of the Air Force flew numerous sorties across key fronts, including the Daegu and Yeongcheon areas, achieving distinguished military accomplishments by eliminating hundreds of enemy soldiers.

In particular, while attacking enemy bunkers and positions over the Wonsan area, he was struck by anti-aircraft fire. Instead of evading, he made the resolute decision to steer his aircraft directly into enemy lines, sacrificing his life at the young age of 24.

His choice to prioritize his mission over his own survival remains a symbolic moment of the Republic of Korea Air Force's spirit of national defense to this day.

To honor this noble sacrifice, Andong City erected the "Statue of Air Force Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung, a National Defense Figure" in Dongbu-ri, Dosan-myeon, in October 2001.

Subsequently, in February 2003, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs officially designated the site as a national memorial facility, establishing it as a symbolic space for remembrance and honor.

In May 2015, the "National Defense Hero Lee Ilyoung Park" was established in the area, and in July 2016, an honorary road named "Lee Ilyoung-ro" was designated, embedding his name into the daily life of the community.

Currently, every November, a memorial event is held here under the auspices of the National Defense Hero Lee Ilyoung Memorial Association, and the site also serves as a venue for patriotism and security education for youth and citizens. In an era when memories of the war are fading, this space serves as a living reminder of one young officer's choice and sacrifice.

An official from the Gyeongbuk Northern Veterans Affairs Office stated, "The Statue of Air Force Lieutenant Lee Ilyoung is more than a simple commemorative monument; it is a record of the decisive actions that defended freedom and peace. We will continue our efforts to ensure that the value of remembrance is felt in daily life through local memorial facilities."