Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Renowned surgeon appointed as Honorary Navy Commander
Lee Cook-jong, right, poses with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Sim, Seung-seob after an honorary navy commander promotion ceremony at the Navy Service Support Battalion in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Navy
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Lee Cook-jong, a renowned surgeon at the Ajou University Medical Center in Suwon has been promoted to honorary navy commander.
Last month, the Republic of Korea Navy's (ROKN) selection committee selected Lee as honorary navy commander for his continuous contributions to the Navy medical field and held an official promotion ceremony earlier this week.
“Professor Lee has enhanced the Navy's aviation medical evacuation capabilities and supported on the job training of naval medics and their emergency first aid. His contributions greatly enhanced the medical field of the Navy,” the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) said.
Lee has been a vocal activist who continuously urged the need for air evacuation to better treat urgent patients.
He is famous for saving the life of Seok Haw-kyun, a former captain of the freighter Samho Jewelry, which was hijacked by Somali pirates off the Arabian Sea in 2011.
In response, the government sent a destroyer and 30 naval commandos to retake the ship and rescue its crew.
In the process, Seok suffered multiple bullet wounds inflicted by pirates during the Navy's hostage rescue operation dubbed “Operation Dawn of Gulf of Aden.”
In July 2015, Lee's contributions in the rescue efforts led him to become Navy honorary ambassador and received the rank of honorary navy lieutenant. Last April, he was promoted to honorary lieutenant commander.
“This is a great honor,” Lee said. “I will do my best to enhance the Navy's medical field.”
Last April, Lee took part in the combat medical readiness exercise along with other ROK Navy medics during the Pacific Partnership 2017 in Malaysia and also gave humanitarian medical aid to nearby residents.
He also treated a North Korean defector who crossed the Joint Security Area at Panmunjeom last year and received a letter of appreciation from the U.S. Embassy in Korea. He also served as honorary ambassador for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the National Maritime Police.