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Real Peace Must Be Backed by Strong Power

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery victory commemorated.
Minister Ahn Gyu-back pays tribute to Marines who served the nation.
Honors the sacrifice of the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo and PFC Moon Gwang-wook.
Commander Ju Il-seok pledges steadfast commitment to national defense.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery duel, honoring combat heroes and commemorating the victory, at the Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, on Nov. 23.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to defending the Republic of Korea by establishing a robust military readiness posture built on the strength of the nation's armed forces.

At the combat hero memorial and war victory commemoration ceremony, held at Daejeon National Cemetery on November 23 to mark the 15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery duel with the theme "The noble sacrifice of the heroes, we will never forget," Minister Ahn paid tribute to the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo and Private First Class Moon Gwang-wook, who sacrificed their lives for the nation on November 23, 2010.

In his remarks, Minister Ahn recalled the events of that day, stating, "North Korea's sudden and illegal artillery attack turned the peaceful island of Yeonpyeong into a battlefield in an instant. Yet not a single Marine retreated—they all stood their ground and fought with unwavering dedication." In particular, Minister Ahn highlighted the sacrifices of Sergeant Seo and Private First Class Moon. Sergeant Seo, despite being on his final leave before discharge, returned to his unit without hesitation to protect his comrades in danger. Private First Class Moon, though only assigned to the unit for a month, steadfastly remained at his post until the end. Minister Ahn honored them as true national heroes who fulfilled their duty to the very last in defense of the country.

He emphasized, "Amid a rapidly changing security environment and evolving threats, we are making various efforts to ensure stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. However, history teaches us that true peace must, above all, be backed by strong power." Minister Ahn affirmed, "Going forward, our military will resolutely protect our country against any threats and provocations by establishing a flawless military readiness posture."

He declared, "I pray for the repose of the two heroes who gave their lives in the defense of our nation after fulfilling their duty until the last moment. The people of the Republic of Korea will forever remember their names."

The commemorative event, hosted by Marine Corps Commander Ju Il-seok, was attended by 280 people, including the families and relatives of Sergeant Seo and Private First Class Moon, veterans of the battle, Defense Minister Ahn, National Assembly's National Defense Committee members Baek Sun-hee and Yu Yong-weon, former National Assembly member Yoo Seung-min, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Navy.

The event began with paying tribute and was followed by: the national ceremony, laying of flowers and incense, a reflection speech by participating veterans, commemorative addresses by the Defense Minister and the Marine Corps Commander, remarks from bereaved families, a memorial performance, and the singing of the Marine Corps Hymn. Notably, the recollection shared by discharged Sergeant Lee Han, who served as an armorer during the artillery duel, vividly conveyed the soldiers' determination and deeply moved the audience. During the chorus performance of the memorial song, "Song of Heroes," a video created with AI technology that restored images of the fallen soldiers was played, offering deep comfort to their bereaved families.

In his remarks, Commander Ju stated, "The Marine Corps will never forget the spirit and dedication of the soldiers who fought to defend our nation, and will remain committed to its mission to safeguard the peace and freedom of the Republic of Korea."

By Byeong-No, Yun