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Defense Minister Vows to Build Strong Military at Naval Skirmish Ceremony
South Korea's defense minister pledged to strengthen the military during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of a 2002 naval clash with North Korea. The event honored six sailors killed in the incident near the maritime border.
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Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday pledged to build a strong military during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of a 2002 naval skirmish with North Korea that killed six South Korean sailors. The remarks came at an event held at the Navy's Second Fleet in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, commemorating the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong.
"There is a clear path to repay the sacrifices of the fallen heroes," Ahn said in his commemorative speech. "It is to build a strong military trusted by the people. That is our shared mission for those of us alive today," he added.
Background of the 2002 Incident The naval battle occurred near a frontline island on June 29, 2002, when two North Korean patrol boats crossed the Northern Limit Line and attacked a South Korean warship. The clash left six South Korean sailors dead and 19 others injured, while around 30 North Koreans were presumed killed or wounded.
This year's event drew about 300 attendees, including the Chief of Naval Operations and family members of those killed. The Navy said the memorial aimed to honor the soldiers who died defending the maritime border against North Korean provocations.
