Stories of 22 Korean War veterans shared by their descendants in new book

Ilayda Asimgil, a Turkish descendant of a Korean War veteran, holds a copy of a book titled “The Story of UN Korean War Veterans” during an official launch ceremony at the Korea Veterans Association in southern Seoul's Seocho District, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

A new book has been released to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Titled “The Story of UN Korean War Veterans,” the 240-page book tells 22 stories of veterans from the 16 countries that sent combat troops to fight in the Korean War after the sudden invasion by North Korea began in the early morning of June 25, 1950.

The stories come from the descendants — sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters — of U.N. veterans, sharing the wartime memories passed down by their fathers and grandfathers. Among the submissions, 10 came from international students residing in Korea while the remaining 12 were sent in from descendants living abroad, according to the book's editor, Shin Ha-young.

One of the stories comes from Wakjira Gemechu, the youngest son of Ethiopian war veteran Gemechu Guta.

“Since my father used to talk about the Korean War and showed the pictures to our family, I have been both familiar and curious about Korea since I was young. The Korean folk song "Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo" that my father taught me has been familiar since I was a child," he wrote in the book.

He first came to Korea in 2012 through a scholarship program for descendants of war veterans, jointly run by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

“My life in Korea is sociable and active," he wrote. "I have adapted well and continue to gain experience by participating in various activities with a sense of historical responsibility. I have volunteered at multiple exchange events, fostering connections between Korea and Ethiopia.”

He works at a mechanical parts manufacturing company and occasionally appears in movies, K-pop music videos and commercials. From 2017 to 2018, he served as the leader of the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Family Association in Korea, facilitating cultural exchanges and collaborations with many Korean individuals and organizations.

Wakjira Gemechu, son of an Ethiopian war veteran, stands during an official launch ceremony for a book titled “The Story of UN Korean War Veterans” at the Korea Veterans Association in southern Seoul's Seocho District, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

Ilayda Asimgil, a Turkish descendant of a Korean War veteran, expressed her deep emotions and pride for taking part in such a meaningful event honoring the memory of her grandfather. “I’m really happy to be here today and have the opportunity to publish a story about my grandfather,” she told The Korea Times during an official book launch ceremony at the Korea Veterans Association in southern Seoul's Seocho District on Saturday.

“This book is incredibly meaningful to me and my family. It will be passed down through future generations, helping them remember not only my grandfather but also all the veterans who sacrificed so much during the Korean War,” she said.

“I hope that young people will be encouraged to learn more about the Korean War and never forget the veterans and their sacrifices. I’m truly honored to represent my grandfather and to be part of this remembrance.”

Asimgil has been living in Korea for the past four years, having come to the country on a scholarship from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. “This is my last semester, and I’m graduating in August,” she said, beaming with pride at both her academic and personal achievements. With her voice and dedication, she wants to ensure that the legacy of her grandfather and others continues to live on.

The cover of “The Story of UN Korean War Veterans” / Courtesy of KORAD

Joon Shin Encomienda Amangan, a Filipino student leader and chairman of the ASEAN Youth Network in Korea, shared a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, a Korean War veteran from the Philippines. Speaking with deep emotion and purpose, he reflected on how his grandfather’s sacrifice has shaped his path and commitment to peace.

“The purpose of this book is not only to highlight the stories of the grandfathers, but also to give voice to the grandchildren and descendants, people like us who were inspired by what they did,” he said.

He emphasized that the book is not just a historical record, but a testament to living legacies. “The legacy does not end with the passing of a hero; it continues through the people they left behind. That’s what we’re doing now,” he said.

Having lived in Korea for the past three years, he is currently completing his studies in social-cultural psychology, with a focus on multicultural families. He believes that his contribution to peace differs from his grandfather’s battlefield bravery but is also meaningful. “My grandfather was on the front lines, defending those who couldn’t defend themselves," he said. "But I believe that one way to achieve peace today is through multicultural families. A Filipino Korean family, for example, learns to respect and appreciate each other's culture. That respect becomes a foundation for peace, right at home.”

His leadership in the ASEAN Youth Network and his academic journey are both driven by this vision. “Now, I’m connected to Korea in my way, through diplomacy, through student leadership and through fostering understanding among Southeast Asians and Koreans," he said. "I believe my grandfather would be proud of what’s happening now. I’m following what my grandfather started, but in my own way, with my talents and skills.”

Participants pose for a group photo during an official launch ceremony for a book titled “The Story of UN Korean War Veterans” at the Korea Veterans Association in southern Seoul's Seocho District, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

Shin, the book’s editor, says that a Korean version will be available for sale within weeks. The publisher, KORAD, is also finalizing the release of the English version on Amazon for international readers.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.