A Month of Remembrance in South Korea
World Ch. Schedule : THU 20:30 KST
Date : 2022-06-23
June has been designated by the South Korean government as a month of remembrance for our war veterans and the fallen. It is a month with many important dates on the calendar, including Memorial Day on June 6, the anniversary of the Korean War on June 25, and date of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong on June 29.
As we mark the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War, how do ordinary South Koreans remember the war, which is arguably the most traumatic event to ever occur in the nation’s history?
Shockingly, a survey in 2020 showed that only 64% of Koreans knew the year in which the Korean War broke out, a figure that drops to as low as one in seven among teenagers. Observers point out that the lack of proper education on the Korean War in school curriculums is primarily to blame.
On another concerning note, it’s also been found that 87% of Korean War veterans are currently struggling with their livelihoods.
Park Ok-sun, who took part in the Korean War as a nursing officer, is calling for more public awareness in the plight of veterans.
This episode of the Newsmakers is dedicated to the honor of our war veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and our freedom.