6.25전쟁 UN참전 현 한반도 안보에 중요
King Philippe of Belgium, who is visting Korea, has participated in a memorial service for soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War.
Kim Ji-yeon tells us how the participation of the allied countries under the UN Command has contributed to the modern development of South Korea.
We must never forget.
That couldn't be stressed enough at the memorial service held for soldiers who fought side-by-side during the Korean War.
"The Korean War is often referred to as the "forgotten war." But we will not forget. This War Memorial reminds us of the sacrifices of those who, together with allied troops under the United Nations' colors had the courage to fight in order to not only restore peace but defend the values we hold dear."
More than 3-thousand Belgian soldiers fought on the allies' side as part of the UN's peacekeeping force in the Korean War.
And more than one-hundred of those Belgian soldiers were killed in battle.
"I'm proud that I'm being here in my second homeland because Korea is my second home."
Belgium is just one of the countries who lost soldiers in the war.
"An estimated 40-thousand-800 soldiers from the UN peacekeeping forces are known to have sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. And their legacy continues to have a significant role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."
The three-year conflict in Korea, which pitted communist and capitalist forces against each other, has shaped the modern world we know today... the division of the Koreas and the transformation of South Korea into an economic powerhouse... with a free market economy and free democracy.
"South Korea now is such a big contributor to the United Nations even in financial terms and diplomatic terms altogether. South Korea, being this kind of important country in the world is because of their contribution."
Seventeen countries fought under the UN Command... after the Korean War broke out when North Korean troops pushed in to the South in June of 1950.
The fighting has stopped but the Korean War technically did not end.
And with each year passing there are fewer Korean veterans still with us, all the more reason then, to remember those who fought in the "forgotten war."
Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.
