Stories of people forming our shared history

KOREAN SERENADE

- LEE SANG-HWA

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a profoundly moving ceremony at the Korean War Memorial Center in Taguig City, Metro Manila, where educational grants were bestowed on descendants of Korean War veterans.

The event—led by Korea's Maeil Broadcasting Network and the Korean Veterans Association in the Philippines—was graced by two surviving members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), along with the young scholars who were beaming with joy, pride, and purpose.

It was a powerful expression of what we say often, but feel deeply: Freedom is not free.

The Korean War will never be a forgotten war.

June is the Month of Patriots and Veterans in Korea, honoring those who gave their all for freedom.

The Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops to Korea in 1950.

More than 7,400 soldiers comprising PEFTOK fought under the United Nations Command, many never to return home.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a solemn reminder of how far we've come, and of the sacrifices that built the foundation of Korea-Philippines relations.

In his speech during the 70th Memorial Day Ceremony on June 6th, President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed this national commitment to remembrance and peace.

He spoke of building a nation free from the worries of war, and pledged "extraordinary rewards for extraordinary sacrifices"—a promise to provide greater respect and lasting support to fallen soldiers and their families so that they may live with pride, dignity, and honor.

During the scholarship ceremony, I sat down with a 91-year-old veteran, the last Filipino survivor of the Battle of Yuldong, one of the most fiercely fought battles during the war.

He recounted the harrowing defense humbly, without embellishment, yet every word revealed a life shaped by war, tempered by resilience and graced by an intense sense of duty.