Seoul honors heroes on 70th anniversary of Korean War

A poster by photographer Hong Urim is displayed in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Library, Monday, to commemorate veterans from the 1950-53 Korean War as this year marks the 70th anniversary since the war was halted by an armistice. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

City gov't implements campaigns to honor Seoul's living war heroes

By Ko Dong-hwan

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and local district municipalities have begun earmarking welfare funds and decorating public facilities to honor veterans of the Korean War.

In anticipation of the upcoming Memorial Day, which falls on Tuesday, and in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, various patriotic initiatives are taking place across the city. These moves align with the nationwide dedication of June as a month of remembrance, specifically, aiming to honor the living heroes and veterans of the war who live in local communities.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has collaborated with a renowned photographer Hong Urim, known for his photographic portrayals of the war, to prepare special public displays.

Notably, a commemorative poster honoring war veterans is on display on the giant billboard on the facade of the Seoul Metropolitan Library, next to the city hall. Created by Hong, the poster prominently features the symbolic number "70" and the poignant slogan "You are still a hero even after 70 years," a message visible from miles away.

A closer look at the number "70" on the poster reveals that it consists of tiny black-and-white photos of people, which in fact are over 150 South Korean soldiers who fought in the war.

The Public Relations Bureau of the city government said that they started accepting photos last month, which were provided by the general public and the Korean War Veterans Association's Seoul chapter.

The assortment of photos includes images of those who had fought in some of the key military clashes during the war such as the battles at Jangsari, North Gyeongsang Province in September 1950 and Kumsong, Gangwon Province in July 1953.

War veterans in Seoul's Yongsan District practice calligraphy at a local center for veterans, Thursday. Courtesy of Yongsan District Office

Later this month, another art project by Hong, part of the city's patriotic commemoration campaign, will hit popular social networking platforms as well as billboards across Seoul. Scheduled for release on June 19, the video will feature pictures of Korean War veterans in the same poses as they were seen in photos from seven decades ago.

Hong, selected as editorial photographer of the year at the 2018 International Photography Awards and 2019 Moscow International Foto Awards, said the juxtaposition of past and present serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of these heroes, even 70 years on. He hoped that this project would help to raise public awareness and respect for veterans.

Along with Hong's projects, the city government will use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and KakaoStory to further amplify the stories of the heroes.

"Today's Korea exists because of the sacrifices and dedication of Korean War soldiers. We hope these projects will foster a city-wide respect for our veterans," said Choi Won-suk, Seoul's Public Relations Bureau chief.

Lee Pil-hyung, head of Dongdaemun District, serves food to family members of Korean War veterans at a local center for veterans in Seoul, May 31. Courtesy of Dongdaemun District Office

The city's central district of Seongdong said Monday they have selected 2,572 local veterans in the district to give a 50,000 won ($40) subsidy this month. The authority also prepared chartered buses to provide a ride for veterans and their family members to national memorial cemeteries in Seoul and Daejeon.

Six war veterans who continued their service to the country by volunteering for community work will be awarded by the district office this month, Chong Won-o, head of Seongdong District said.

Seoul's Yongsan District authorities said they have vamped up welfare for veterans this year by doubling the subsidized funds for them from the previous year. The authority has allocated over 2.3 billion won this year for 2,500 patriots including 290 veterans from the Korean War, 697 veterans from the Vietnam War and 149 victims of defoliant exposure.

The district authority is doling out 750,000 won per person this year, increasing the monthly payment counts from nine to 12 times a year. Kim Seon-soo, acting head of Yongsan, said the measures are the district office's means to propagate the patriotic culture for the heroes.

Lee Pil-hyung, head of Dongdaemun District, has paid tribute to the heroes by serving food in a kitchen at a local center for veterans. Over 120 veterans and their family members were invited to the center on May 31 and served a free meal.

Lee also held a follow-up meeting with the district's nine local civic veterans support groups and promised continued support for them.