Monument honors Battle of Incheon hero ahead of battle's 74th anniversary

A monument honoring Battle of Incheon hero Adm. Son Won-il is pictured in Incheon, Tuesday, when it was unveiled, ahead of the 74th anniversary of the battle, which falls on Sept. 15. Courtesy of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

A monument honoring Adm. Son Won-il, a Korean War veteran who played a key role in the success of the Battle of Incheon, has been erected in Incheon, according to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Tuesday near Gyeyang Bridge along the Gyeongin Ara Waterway, the ministry said. The event was held ahead of the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Incheon, which falls on Sept. 15.

Adm. Son Won-il / Korea Times file

The military operation, also known as Operation Chromite, is regarded as the major turning point in the 1910-53 Korean War, as it enabled South Korean forces to recapture Seoul from North Korean control.

According to the ministry, the sculpture was designed as a photo zone where visitors can take pictures while learning about Son’s achievements.

Known as the father of the Republic of Korea Navy, Son played a crucial role in establishing the Navy. On Nov. 11, 1945, he founded the Liberation Army Corps, the precursor to the ROK Navy, and on Sept. 5, 1948, he became the inaugural Chief of Naval Operations.

During the Korean War, the admiral led the Navy to victories in key battles, including the Battle of Okpo and the Battle of the Korea Strait. He also served as the highest-ranking South Korean military commander during the Battle of Incheon, which was led by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

In recognition of his contributions during the war, Son was awarded the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit in 1953.

“I am deeply moved and proud that a sculpture honoring my father has been installed in Incheon,” Son Myung-won, the admiral’s son, said at the unveiling ceremony.

The ministry added that the monument is part of its Hero Road project, which aims to install 10 sculptures commemorating Korean War heroes in major cities nationwide this year.

This is the third installation, with seven more planned to be installed before the end of the year.