Jang Donghyuk Visits Baengnyeongdo Military Unit: "Protecting Soldiers' Safety Is Korea’s Duty"

Jang Pays Tribute at Cheonan Memorial Tower
Delivers Consolation Funds of 10 Million Won to Encourage Marine Brigade

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Marine Corps 6th Brigade on Baengnyeongdo Island, the frontline of the northwestern islands, on the 29th, emphasizing, "Just as the armed forces devote everything to safeguarding the security of the Republic of Korea, protecting the safety of our soldiers is the nation’s duty."

Jang, along with the party leadership, arrived on Baengnyeongdo Island by helicopter in the morning. Their first stop was the memorial monument for the 46 sailors of the Cheonan warship. There, Jang laid flowers and burned incense at the memorial, observed a moment of silence, and listened to a briefing on the events as he faced the sea where the warship was attacked and sank.

The delegation included Policy Chief Lim Ija, Secretary-General Jeong Heeyong, Chief of Political Affairs Kim Jangkyum, Chief of Staff Park Juntae, and local district lawmaker Bae Junyoung, in addition to Jang Donghyuk.

On the 29th, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Marine Corps 6th Brigade on Baengnyeongdo Island, Incheon, and saluted. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group.

At a luncheon with soldiers of the 6th Marine Brigade, Jang referenced the recently suspected landmine explosion in the DMZ. He stated, "There was the attack on the Cheonan, and more recently, another explosion thought to have been caused by a mine planted by North Korea," adding, "As North Korean provocations continue, public anxiety is also rising."

He continued, "If our soldiers are risking their lives to safeguard the Republic of Korea and the lives and safety of its people, who will protect our soldiers’ safety?" He further pledged, "We will do our utmost to improve service conditions so that our soldiers are well-respected and can serve comfortably."

Jang stressed, "Each and every one of you is a line of defense for the Republic of Korea," adding, "Just as you are protecting Korea, the country will ensure your protection as well." The People Power Party also delivered 10 million won in encouragement funds to the unit that day.

Following this, the leadership received an operational readiness briefing at Observation Point 807 and then visited the artillery battalion to inspect equipment such as self-propelled howitzers and counter-battery detection radar. After shaking hands individually with the lined-up soldiers, Jang said, "We will place our full trust in you to defend the Northwestern Islands," and requested, "Please defend them without fail."

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