By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The West Sea maritime clash is now long in the past, but the trauma still haunts the victims and their families.
Kim Jong-seon, 34, widow of the late sailor Han Sang-kuk ― one of six who lost their lives in the battle, is scheduled to return to Seoul in early April after three years living in New York, the United States.
Kim's return to South Korea coincides with the government's announcement that it will hold a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the naval clash, which happened in June 2002 when North Korean patrol boats opened fire on their South Korean counterparts.
The move shows a stark contrast to previous liberal administrations' low-key posture toward the tragic incident for fear of it possibly derailing inter-Korean relations.
The conservative administration of President Lee Myung-bak has vowed to take a tougher stance against the communist nation.
Previously, the annual anniversary took place under the name of the military.
Kim said in an interview that the government's treatment of the casualties disheartened her and she decided to explore a new life in America in 2005.
She added that she had done a variety of jobs, such as dish washing and doing laundry, but finally made the decision to come back to Korea.
Kim plans to spend the rest of her life serving the victims and families of the battle.
``I think people need to change their mindset toward the military. The government needs to find ways of boosting the morale of the military and their families,'' Kim said.
The 18 wounded South Korean sailors are still suffering from mental trauma, however, they were not eligible for compensation, which is available for victims of military operations.
Military officials said these victims were not compensated as no direct causal relationship was found between the after-effects and the military operation.
A ministry official said, ``The event will be televised nationwide. Citizens can participate in the ceremony.''
The tragedy took place a day before the finals of the 2002 (South) Korea-Japan World Cup soccer tournament.