South Korean President Lee Jae Myung paid tribute to 55 South Korean service members who lost their lives in military clashes with North Korea while safeguarding the Yellow Sea maritime border. He emphasized the importance of strong defense capabilities in fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula. Lee expressed a commitment to ensuring the safety of the Republic of Korea and its people while striving for a war-free Korean Peninsula.
During a speech commemorating the 11th West Sea Defence Day at the national cemetery in Daejeon, President Lee highlighted the sacrifices made by the sailors and Marines in conflicts near the Northern Limit Line (NLL). He underscored the significance of achieving peace as the ultimate form of security, acknowledging the challenges involved in attaining this goal. Lee also pledged to provide special compensation to veterans for their sacrifices in protecting South Korea from North Korean threats in the western sea.
This event marked President Lee’s first participation in the ceremony since taking office. The government has designated the fourth Friday of March as West Sea Defence Day since 2016, a day to honor those who defended the nation’s maritime borders. Additionally, the Navy conducted maneuvering drills to pay tribute to fallen service members and enhance its combat readiness in naval operations against North Korea in the Yellow Sea.
As part of the four-day exercises, naval forces focused on improving their anti-submarine warfare capabilities, tactical maneuvers, and firing skills. The drills involved the deployment of various naval assets, including surface ships like the Jeongjo the Great destroyer, submarines, maritime surveillance aircraft, and naval helicopters. These exercises were carried out along the eastern and western coasts to strengthen the Navy’s preparedness.
