By Reporter Lee jon young

President Yoon Suk-yeol presided over the first ceremony for the repatriation of fallen soldiers from the Korean War since the inauguration of his administration on the night of July 26 at Seoul Airport.

This repatriation ceremony was planned with the President's determination to create a country that respects and remembers those who sacrificed for the nation and its people. In March, the President stated, "A country that fails to properly remember those who dedicated themselves to the nation has no future," and he expressed his commitment to creating a Republic of Korea that respects and remembers those who devoted themselves and made sacrifices for the nation and its people.

In a previous memorial address on the Memorial Day in June, President Yoon mentioned, "The Republic of Korea stands upon the sacrifices and dedication of those who dedicated themselves to building a free and democratic country and those who defended freedom against communist totalitarian forces," and emphasized that it is the nation's duty to remember and honor the heroes who sacrificed everything to protect the country and its citizens.

The President also stressed, "Numerous remains of fallen soldiers still have not returned to their families' embrace, and I will do my best to ensure that our patriotic heroes can return to their families." He stated that remembering and honoring the dedication and sacrifices of these heroes who answered the nation's call and devoted themselves to freedom and peace is an act that confirms we are all owners and sovereigns of this country.

During this event, the fallen heroes were welcomed with the highest military honors, including Air Force F-35A escort, a state-level cannon salute, and a weather-flag ceremony, with a focus on fallen soldiers and their bereaved families. Particularly, the remains of the late Private Choi Im-rak, whose identity was confirmed, were welcomed by his nephew, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Choi Ho-jong, as the representative of the bereaved family, adding more significance to the ceremony.

The remains of the seven soldiers repatriated consist of those recovered by the U.S. military during and after the Korean War, stored in Hawaii, and returned by North Korea from locations in South Hamgyong Province, North Pyongan Province, and Geumhwa in 1990 to 1994 (208 boxes in 1995 and 55 boxes in 2018). Additionally, they include remains jointly excavated by the U.S. and North Korean military between 1996 and 2005 and sent back to the U.S., which were confirmed as fallen soldiers by a joint South Korean-U.S. identification.
 
The remains of Private Choi Im-rak were confirmed through a joint US-Korea remains recovery operation. The genetic information from the remains collected through the joint inspection and the genetic information from the soldier's family registered with the Ministry of National Defense matched, confirming his identity. The identities of the remaining 6 soldiers, whose identities have not been confirmed, will be determined through further record analysis, meticulous inspection, and DNA testing.

Private Choi Im-rak was born in Ulsan in 1931 and voluntarily enlisted in the army at the age of 19 in August 1950. He was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division and participated in the Incheon Landing Operation as part of the KATUSA (Korean Augmentation To the United States Army). Later, in October 1950, during the Battle of Jangjin Lake, he bravely fell in battle (December 12, 1950).

Private Choi Im-rak's brother, Sergeant Choi Sang-rak, also enlisted in the army in February 1949 and served in the 23rd Infantry Regiment of the Korean Army's 3rd Infantry Division. He fought against the North Korean 5th Division during the Battle of Yeongdeok-Pohang (August 1 to September 14, 1950) and sacrificed his life on August 14, 1950.

The remains of Private Choi Im-rak were brought back to Korea by his nephew, Sergeant Choi Jong-ho, who is currently serving in the Navy as a Petty Officer, from Hawaii. Both Private Choi Im-rak and his brother, Sergeant Choi Sang-rak, will be buried in the National Memorial Cemetery in Daejeon after discussions with the families.

The repatriation of the fallen soldiers took place when Deputy Minister of National Defense Shin Bum-cheol received them from the US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii on July 26, 06:00 (local time, July 25, 11:00). They were then transported to Seoul Airport by the Korean Air Force Special Transport Aircraft (KC-330) with an escort of Air Force F-35A fighter jets since entering the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) until reaching the airspace over Ulsan, the hometown of Private Choi Im-rak.

Before the repatriation ceremony, President Yoon Suk-yeol met with the family of Private Choi Im-rak and offered his condolences. He explained to the family that the fallen soldiers received from the US DPAA would be received with the highest military honors upon their arrival at Seoul Airport. Despite the passing of 73 years, he emphasized the significance of finally bringing Private Choi Im-rak back to his homeland.

During the repatriation ceremony, when the remains stepped on Korean soil, 21 gun salutes were fired, and a grand military ceremony was held to honor the fallen soldiers.

President Yoon Suk-yeol accompanied the family of Private Choi Im-rak as they received his remains. The younger brother of Private Choi Im-rak, 79-year-old Choi Yong, read a letter in front of his brother's remains, and the President personally awarded Private Choi Im-rak a military medal. The President paid his respects to the fallen soldier with a grand military ceremony until the funeral vehicle departed Seoul Airport to the National Seoul Cemetery, where the remains would be laid to rest.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Seung-gyeom, Chief of Army Staff Park Jeong-hwan, Chief of Naval Staff Lee Jong-ho, Chief of Air Staff Jeong Sang-hwa, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Kim Gye-hwan from the Korean side, and Philip Goldberg, the US Ambassador to Korea, and Paul J. LaCamera, the US-ROK Combined Forces Command Commander, among others from the US side. Additionally, three family members of Private Choi Im-rak, whose identity was confirmed, were also present at the ceremony.