“Searching for ‘Kim,’ the Boy from Hongcheon”... 75-Year Search by Family of U.S. War Correspondent

Shin Youngjae, Hongcheon County Governor, Shares Story on Social Media
Family of Late U.S. Marine War Correspondent Mosier Reports to Veterans Ministry
Estimated to Have Been Born Between 1935 and 1937
“Hoping to Rekindle a Warm Connection”
Hongcheon County Actively Encourages Reports Through Blog, Social Media, and Newsletter

The family of the late Robert H. Mosier, who served as a U.S. Marine war correspondent during the Korean War, is searching for ‘Kim,’ a boy from Hongcheon County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, with whom Mosier formed a bond 75 years ago. In response, Shin Youngjae, Governor of Hongcheon County, has personally called on county residents via social media to share information and show interest.

Late journalist Robert H. Mozier and Hongcheon County boy 'Kim'. Screenshot from County Governor Shin Young-jae's Facebook homepage.

Governor Shin Youngjae wrote on his own social media, “I have learned of a heartfelt story from Robert P. Mosier, the son of the late journalist Mosier, who dearly missed and remembered the young battalion assistant ‘Kim’ throughout his life, expressing the desire to find him. I ask for the interest and information from our residents so that this warm connection, which blossomed amid the horrors of war over 70 years ago, might be rekindled.”

It is known that the boy ‘Kim’ first met journalist Mosier in 1951 at a refugee camp near Changdo-ri, Changdo-myeon, Kimhwa County in the former Gangwon Province (now in North Korea). Considering he was 15 years old at the time, he is estimated to have been born between 1935 and 1937.

‘Kim’ from Hongcheon reportedly grew up in a Christian family; by then, his father had already passed away. During the war, he and his family fled from Hongcheon to nearby regions in order to escape bombings.

In the course of documenting the tragedies of war, journalist Mosier visited photo shoot sites accompanied by ‘Kim.’ Around Christmas of 1951, Mosier also visited the boy’s home, where he met his mother, grandfather, and sister.

Kim from Hongcheon during the Korean War. Screenshot from the Facebook homepage of County Governor Shin Youngjae

The two parted ways in July 1952, when the U.S. Marine division withdrew. Although they never reunited, it is said that Mosier continued to miss and think of the boy for the rest of his life.

Hongcheon County plans to utilize its official blog, social networking services (SNS), and the “My Hometown Hongcheon” newsletter in various ways to publicize the search for ‘Kim’ and encourage residents to provide information.

Governor Shin emphasized, “If any elders in the community recall such memories, please do not hesitate to come forward. Hongcheon County will also work closely with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to do everything possible to find ‘Kim.’”

Screenshot of County Magistrate Shin Youngjae's Facebook homepage

If ‘Kim’ himself, his family, relatives, or anyone with relevant information is available, they are encouraged to report through the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs website or main phone line, or to the Hongcheon County Office and respective township and town administrative welfare centers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.