Guardian of Korean War vets

By Kim Se-jeong

Chi Kap-chong, 85, chairman of the United Nations Korean War Allies Association, is a man of passion and dedication.

His passion lies in remembering and taking care of Korean War veterans who were dispatched from 16 nations to fight for peace and freedom on the Korean peninsula between 1950 and 1953.

A program inviting the veterans to visit Korea for a week was the result of his initiative. The number of veterans having come to the peninsula since its inception is close to 30,000.

Thirteen Korean War Participation Memorials erected across the country were his idea as well.

He also facilitates a scholarship program which helps students from the regions where big battles took place.

Chi did not fight during the conflict ― he was a war correspondent for Reuters.

In 1958 while working for the then Yonhap Daily, Chi embarked on a five-month tour visiting Korean War veterans in 16 countries. In 1962, he founded the United Nations Korean War Allies Association. With its official launch, he quit his job, and dedicated himself to

the association.

Later he also served as a member of the National Assembly.