Türkiye and South Korea reaffirm 'blood brotherhood' at Republic Day reception SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - The Embassy of Türkiye in the Republic of Korea hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, celebrating the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and South Korea — a relationship born of shared sacrifice during the Korean War. The event, held at the Ambassador Pullman Hotel in Seoul, brought together around 300 guests, including diplomats, government officials, scholars, media representatives, and business leaders. Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer and Mrs. Tamer welcomed attendees to the Turkish National Day reception, which reflected both pride in the past and confidence in the future. "It is a great honor and joy to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye together with you tonight," Ambassador Tamer said in his opening remarks. "On this meaningful occasion, we proudly remember the enduring legacy of the Republic of Türkiye and the deep friendship we share with the people of the Republic of Korea." He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and highlighted Türkiye's continued progress under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "Today, in line with the visionary goals set by the Great Atatürk and under the esteemed leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are advancing with steadfast determination into the Century of Türkiye," he said. Ambassador Tamer also underlined the growing economic partnership between the two nations. "The trade volume between our countries has surpassed 11 billion US dollars, and we believe this is only the beginning," he said. "More mutual investments and new projects in renewable and peaceful nuclear energy will carry our cooperation to new heights." Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yoon-jin delivered a congratulatory address, emphasizing the historic bond between the two countries. "Korea and Türkiye are brothers that share blood," she said. "Seventy-five years ago, when South Korea was in crisis during the Korean War, Türkiye sent over 21,000 brave soldiers — the fourth largest among the 22 participating nations. The Korean people will never forget their noble sacrifice." Kang recalled her visit to Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara and shared her memory of meeting Ayla, the Korean War orphan whose story inspired the 2017 Turkish film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "Even though she has left us, the love between Sergeant Süleyman and Ayla still lives in the hearts of Koreans," she said. The story of Sergeant Süleyman Dilbirliği and the orphaned Korean girl later known as Ayla remains one of the most moving symbols of the Türkiye–South Korea friendship. During the Korean War, Dilbirliği found the five-year-old child alone and freezing on the battlefield near Waegwan in 1950. He took her to his unit, cared for her like a daughter, and named her Ayla, meaning "moonlight" in Turkish. Though they were separated when he returned home after the war, the two reunited more than six decades later in 2010, a moment that touched hearts in both countries and was later immortalized in the film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "We sincerely support the bright future of our brother nation Türkiye," Kang added. "South Korea will continue to work closely with Türkiye in the fields of economy, culture, and defense, and together we will uphold the values of freedom, peace, and human rights." The reception concluded with a performance by K-pop duo HoonDoo and a dinner attended by guests from across the diplomatic and business communities. 2025-10-30 10:08:44

Czech National Day reception marks 35 years of ties with South Korea SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - A reception celebrating the Independent Czechoslovak State Day was held Monday evening at a hotel in central Seoul, drawing some 250 guests from the diplomatic, business, academic, and media communities. Hosted by H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to South Korea, and Mrs. Andrea Jančárková, the event marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The evening opened with a performance by the Severáček Choir from the Czech Republic, setting a warm tone before the official speeches. Ambassador Jančárek welcomed guests and called the year a milestone in bilateral relations. "These anniversaries remind us how far our two nations have come together and how strong and dynamic our relationship has become," he said. He highlighted growing cooperation across politics, economy, and culture, as well as a recent meeting between Presidents Petr Pavel and Yoon Suk Yeol in New York. He also noted the signing of an agreement to build two nuclear power units in Dukovany, calling it a "historic accomplishment" that will strengthen energy security and expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, e-mobility, defense, and nuclear technology. Vice Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Sin-hak delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the South Korean government. "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, South Korea and Czechia have steadily expanded cooperation, elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership in 2015," he said. Moon described the Dukovany nuclear power project as the largest investment in Czech history, expressing confidence in its success. He added that both countries are exploring new areas of collaboration, including robotics, next-generation vehicles, and batteries, and are pursuing an industrial cooperation center to promote joint research and talent exchange. He also emphasized the shared democratic values of the two nations and recalled Czech support for Korea’s independence movement in the early 20th century. Ambassador Jančárek closed by thanking the partners and supporters of the event. "I believe the near future will bring us only positive news, and I look forward to further cooperation and friendship between Czechia and South Korea," he said. 2025-10-28 10:43:08

APEC Week: Beyond Trump and Xi, APEC leaders bring diverse agenda SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju this week, global attention is fixed on the expected encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But away from the media spotlight, many of the region's other leaders are arriving with their own priorities — from digital transformation and green energy to demographic change and inclusive growth. According to APEC, this year's discussions will center on the three pillars of "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," building on ongoing work to strengthen digital transformation, respond to demographic shifts, and promote sustainable development. The Gyeongju meetings are also expected to explore ways to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, small business support, and the creative economy. This year's summit is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agenda is designed to address "the social and economic shifts brought by technology and aging populations" while fostering innovation and inclusive development across the region. Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is expected to focus on the challenges of an aging society and labor shortages, issues that Japan has been confronting for years. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is likely to emphasize digital connectivity and regional supply-chain resilience, continuing Singapore's long-standing role as a bridge for economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently promoted the formalization of informal economies, echoing APEC's goal of making growth more inclusive. From Latin America, Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is attending her first major multilateral meeting since taking office, with an emphasis on sustainable energy and green transition. Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Peru's President Dina Boluarte are also in attendance, maintaining Latin America's active participation in APEC policy discussions. In a statement to Aju Press, the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul said on Monday that Peru "fully shares the principles and values of APEC, particularly the promotion of trade and investment liberalization," adding that it continues to advance the priorities it set during its 2024 chairmanship — including the use of clean hydrogen, reducing food loss and waste, and supporting the transition of small and medium-sized enterprises from the informal to the formal economy. The embassy also said it "commends Korea's focus on demographic change, artificial intelligence, and cultural and creative industries," underscoring both countries' efforts to make APEC more relevant to everyday citizens. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is traveling to South Korea after visiting Malaysia, said in an October 22 statement published on the Beehive, the official website of the New Zealand Government, that his goal is to "deepen relationships with regional leaders and unlock new opportunities for New Zealand." He described the Indo-Pacific as "the world's most economically dynamic region with nine of our top ten trading partners" and said that building effective partnerships across it "is a top priority for this government." Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is expected to push for closer cooperation on infrastructure and energy transition, while Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to focus on green technology and free trade — both recurring themes in Canberra's regional agenda. 2025-10-27 16:39:03

Global AI Frontier Symposium brings together world leaders in Seoul SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - KAIST said Monday that the National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Global AI Frontier Lab jointly hosted the "Global AI Frontier Symposium 2025" at Seoul Dragon City, drawing more than 500 participants from academia, industry, and government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Vice Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Baek Kyung-hoon attended the opening ceremony, along with IITP President Hong Jin-bae and other officials from South Korea and abroad. Two keynote speakers headlined the morning session: Yann LeCun, Turing Award laureate and professor at New York University, and Choi Ye-jin, professor at Stanford University and senior director at NVIDIA. LeCun spoke on the governance of AI research and the need for international cooperation, while Choi discussed how generative AI could evolve beyond existing scaling laws. Researchers from South Korea, the United States, Japan, France, and the United Arab Emirates presented their latest work and shared ideas for building stronger international research networks. The National AI Research Lab, led by Director Kim Ki-eung, and the Global AI Frontier Lab, co-directed by LeCun and Cho Kyung-hyun, unveiled key research outcomes from the past year. In his opening remarks, Minister Baek said that he hopes South Korea will move beyond being a strong technology nation to becoming a global leader in AI innovation. He called on the two labs to continue expanding international cooperation and nurturing a broader research ecosystem. The symposium featured two sessions. The first, titled "Foundations of Next-Generation AI," was chaired by KAIST Professor Yang Eun-ho and included presentations from Takeuchi Ichiro of RIKEN, Kam Tae-eui of Yonsei University, Park No-seong of KAIST, Lee Jae-ho of POSTECH, and Kartek Alahari of INRIA. The discussions focused on reliability frameworks, scientific foundation models, scaling limitations, and data-driven AI research. Running in parallel, the "Physical AI for Real-World Autonomy" session was chaired by POSTECH Professor Cho Min-su and explored topics such as self-supervised learning, reinforcement learning fairness, 3D vision models, and embodied agents. Speakers included Jean Ponce of ENS-PSL, Shim Hyun-jung of KAIST, and Ivan Laptev of MBZUAI. Industry experts from NAVER Cloud and POSCO Holdings joined panel discussions to explore how these research findings could be applied in real-world settings and lead to stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Kim Ki-eung, director of the National AI Research Lab, said the symposium was an important opportunity to showcase the past year's achievements and strengthen the foundation for international cooperation. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the National AI Research Lab serves as a central platform linking South Korea's AI research to the global stage, adding that KAIST will continue connecting academia, industry, and government through AI-driven innovation. Established in October 2024 with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and IITP, the National AI Research Lab is South Korea's largest AI research consortium. It brings together 45 professors and about 150 student researchers from KAIST, Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH, in collaboration with 12 Korean companies and 14 overseas institutions. The Lab also works with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seocho District to build a global AI ecosystem. Around 20 foreign researchers stay in South Korea for extended research programs, and the Lab regularly invites global experts to share the latest advances in AI. It has recently expanded its network by signing an MOU with Japan’s RIKEN and holding talks with AI institutions in Singapore to strengthen cooperation in AI governance and research. 2025-10-27 15:57:47

Viet Nam highlights its active role in APEC and close partnership with South Korea SEOUL, October 26 (AJP) - The Embassy of Viet Nam in Seoul reaffirmed Viet Nam's active and responsible participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and underlined the country's strong cooperative ties with South Korea ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju. "Since joining APEC in 1998, Viet Nam has made active and responsible contributions to the forum, promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and regional economic integration," the embassy said in a statement. It noted that Viet Nam has helped maintain APEC's position as the region's leading mechanism for economic cooperation. Viet Nam is one of the few members to have successfully hosted APEC twice, in 2006 and 2017, and has been selected to host again in 2027. The embassy pointed out that Viet Nam has also taken on several important roles within APEC, including Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat from 2005 to 2006, as well as chairing and vice-chairing various key committees and working groups. Viet Nam currently leads the task force developing APEC's structural reform agenda for 2026 to 2030. "In every role, Viet Nam has shown a spirit of responsibility and remains one of the most active members in proposing and promoting APEC programs and initiatives," the statement said. It added that Viet Nam has proposed more than 150 cooperation projects across a wide range of areas, many of which have been highly regarded by member economies. Among the most notable achievements is Viet Nam's initiative to develop the APEC Vision 2040 and its accompanying action plan, which were adopted by APEC leaders at the 25th APEC Summit held in Da Nang in November 2017. The embassy also cited Viet Nam's proposals on green and sustainable growth, cooperation to address climate change, inclusive growth with support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the introduction of the "Gender Inclusion Guidelines" to incorporate gender equity into all APEC policies and programs. The embassy said President Luong Cuong will attend and deliver remarks at the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, where he will present specific proposals to strengthen cooperation among member economies and respond to fast-changing global and regional developments. Viet Nam is actively preparing to host APEC in 2027. On July 28, the Vietnamese government held a ceremony to announce the establishment of the National Committee on APEC 2027, assigning ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take the lead in developing the theme, priorities, and core ideas for the event. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized five guiding principles for APEC 2027: promoting cooperation among APEC members; fostering innovation and creativity; enhancing unity, determination, and responsibility among government agencies and local authorities; encouraging participation from APEC members, the public, and the business community; and ensuring that the outcomes of the meetings contribute to each economy's growth and development. According to the embassy, Viet Nam's position and role have continued to rise as the country maintains strong political stability, pursues reform, and deepens integration with the global economy. Viet Nam's economy grew by 7.1 percent in 2024 and by 7.52 percent in the first half of 2025. The government has streamlined administrative structures, advanced institutional reforms, and strengthened participation in international cooperation frameworks. The embassy described Viet Nam–South Korea relations as one of the model partnerships within APEC. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have made remarkable progress, continuously upgrading their relationship to reach the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership — the highest tier in Viet Nam's diplomatic system. The statement noted that the top leaders of both countries have maintained regular exchanges to further enhance cooperation. Recently, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the country's highest leader, visited South Korea and held talks with President Lee Jae Myung. The two sides discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to strengthen political trust and expand comprehensive and practical cooperation across all sectors and international forums. Within APEC, Viet Nam and South Korea have worked closely together, sharing experiences in organizing and coordinating APEC cooperation initiatives. On the occasion of President Luong Cuong's visit to attend the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, the embassy said the two countries should continue to strengthen collaboration, with South Korea supporting Viet Nam's initiatives in APEC and holding high-level bilateral discussions to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. 2025-10-26 08:43:34

Geologist says Pohang earthquake was man-made, triggered by geothermal fluid injection SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The 2017 Pohang earthquake was a man-made disaster caused by fluid injection at a geothermal power plant, according to Kim Kwang-hee, professor of geological and environmental sciences at Pusan National University. Speaking at the policy forum "Pohang, Asking Again: Accountability and Prevention of Recurrence" held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul on October 23, Kim said the quake was an induced seismic event, not a natural one. "The Pohang earthquake was an induced event caused by fluid injection at a geothermal power plant," he said. Kim explained that from 2016 to 2017, tens of thousands of tons of water were injected roughly four kilometers underground. Soon after, the number of small tremors around the plant rose sharply. "The fluid raised pressure along the fault, disturbed stress balance, and eventually triggered the main shock with a magnitude of 5.4," he said. He noted that there had been almost no prior seismic activity near the site, a key sign the quake was not natural. "If it had been a natural event, we would have observed recurring seismic activity before the main quake," he said. "Instead, almost no earthquakes occurred before the injections began, and afterward, clusters of microearthquakes appeared. That’s a clear sign of causation." Kim outlined the sequence leading up to the main shock: drilling and fluid injection, a spike in microearthquakes, accumulation of fault stress, and finally, rupture. "When the fluid reduced friction on the fault surface and the accumulated stress passed its critical point, the fault ruptured," he said. The epicenter, he added, was located only about 600 meters from the injection well — a distance he said "supports this geological explanation." He criticized the plant operator for continuing operations despite warning signs. "Even though microearthquakes repeatedly occurred during fluid injection, operations were not suspended, and there was no real-time monitoring system in place," Kim said. "Failing to act on such warning signs clearly shows poor management." While emphasizing that geothermal energy remains a vital renewable source in the age of climate change, Kim cautioned that safety must come first. He called for mandatory real-time seismic monitoring and emergency shutdown procedures in future projects. "The Pohang case reminds us that technology and safety must progress together," he said. 2025-10-24 17:30:05

Experts urge easing proof standards, turning Pohang's quake legacy into a cultural asset SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Legal and academic experts called for fairer compensation standards and stronger accountability in the long-running case over the 2017 Pohang earthquake, saying South Korea must rebuild public trust while preventing similar disasters. The discussion took place on October 23 at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, where the "Pohang Earthquake Damage Policy Seminar" gathered lawyers, professors, and local representatives. Panelists included Shin Eun-joo, professor of law at Handong Global University; Kim Eun-joo, Pohang City Council member; attorneys Gong Dae-ho and Kim Bu-jo; and Ha Dong-ho, professor at Konkuk University and president of the Korean Society of Earthquake Engineering. The 2017 quake, measuring magnitude 5.4, struck the city’s northwestern area, followed by a 4.6 aftershock in early 2018. It left about 2,000 people displaced and caused an estimated 84.57 billion won, or roughly 58.8 million dollars, in property losses. In 2018, residents filed a damages suit against the government, claiming the quake had been induced by geothermal energy testing. The first trial partly acknowledged the state’s responsibility, but the appeals court overturned the decision, citing a lack of scientific proof. Attorney Gong Dae-ho criticized the strict standard of proof applied to the case. "In environmental or medical lawsuits, courts often ease the burden of proof because causation is difficult to establish," he said. "Even with expert reports and findings from the Board of Audit and Inspection, the court dismissed the state’s responsibility for lack of evidence. When the state leads a project, the standard should be more flexible to reflect the imbalance between the parties." He warned that the judiciary must avoid treating such cases as technical disputes. "The Supreme Court’s decision will set a precedent for how government responsibility is judged in future disasters," he said. "The court should approach this issue with the public’s perspective in mind." Attorney Kim Bu-jo said the appellate court narrowly interpreted public officials’ duty of care, allowing the state to evade accountability. "The ruling said there was no clear violation of duty, even though proper oversight could have prevented the damage," he said. "Applying such rigid proof standards in cases between citizens and the government goes against the spirit of justice and erodes public confidence." Professor Shin Eun-joo said the court applied criminal-level standards to a civil case. "Civil cases require a lower threshold of proof," she said. "Judges should not mechanically apply the law but assess whether it makes sense in context. Sometimes, fairness requires easing the evidentiary burden." Beyond the courtroom, experts also raised concerns over South Korea’s limited technical capacity for disaster prevention. Professor Ha Dong-ho noted that the country still lacks enough field engineers specializing in seismic design. "There’s a serious shortage of engineers with practical experience in earthquake-resistant technology," he said. "Most of the training is available only at the graduate level. The government and private sector need to support these professionals rather than relying on them without fair compensation." The discussion also turned to how the city might transform its painful experience into a learning and tourism resource. Council member Kim Eun-joo said countries such as New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan have turned post-quake recovery into educational and cultural opportunities. "New Zealand operates earthquake museums and safety experience centers that turn painful memories into assets for the community," she said. Kim said Pohang is collecting residents’ stories, photos, and records to build a public archive. "The city is making efforts to ensure that the earthquake is remembered and that its lessons continue to shape Pohang’s future," she said. 2025-10-24 17:16:42

Pohang earthquake victims call for justice and stronger prevention measures SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, was filled with citizens on Thursday morning as a forum titled "Pohang, Asking Again: Accountability and Prevention of Recurrence" took place on October 23. Residents of Pohang, victims’ groups, and experts in law and geology gathered to discuss the long-running damages lawsuit stemming from the 2017 Pohang earthquake, which is now under review by the Supreme Court. Many described the moment as "the real beginning." The event was co-hosted by Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Mi-ae, the city of Pohang, and Aju News Corporation, with support from North Gyeongsang Province and the provincial assembly. Speakers included attorney Gong Bong-hak, who represents the joint lawsuit filed by Pohang earthquake victims, and Kim Kwang-hee, professor of geological and environmental sciences at Pusan National University. They reviewed the legal and scientific aspects of the case, while citizens called for a clear acknowledgment of the earthquake’s cause and the state’s accountability. Kang Chang-ho, head of the Pohang 11.15 Earthquake Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee, said many residents still struggle with trauma and financial hardship eight years after the quake. He criticized what he called the government’s passive administrative response during the lengthy legal process. Lee Kang-bok, a resident of Heungha-eup in Pohang’s Buk-gu district, said, "We still live in a house with cracked walls. Even if it takes time, we need a proper ruling this time." Another resident, Jang Du-dae from Haksan-dong, said, "If the earthquake was caused by human activity, then the government should take responsibility. It’s time for agencies to stop passing the blame to one another." During the panel discussion, experts focused on how to prevent similar incidents. They suggested mandatory geological surveys before starting geothermal or renewable energy projects and proposed a government-led risk assessment system. Professor Kim said drilling in earthquake-prone areas without prior investigation should never happen again and that the state’s oversight must be stronger even during pilot projects. Attorney Gong added that victims were not seeking large compensation but rather acknowledgment and responsibility from the government. Participants said the discussion gave them a rare opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers and officials. Many expressed hope that the issue will move beyond debate and lead to concrete policy action. 2025-10-24 16:16:49

KAIST tops student survey as applications continue to climb SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - KAIST has been ranked the top university in South Korea among respondents in their 10s to 50s, according to the 2025 INUE–Korea Economic Daily University Survey, reflecting the school's growing reputation for innovation and creative education. The university said Wednesday that 6,991 students applied for early admission to its undergraduate program for the 2026 academic year, up 7.6 percent from a year earlier. The competition rate rose from 7.98 to 1 to 8.47 to 1, marking a fourth consecutive year of increase. Compared with 2023, the number of applicants has nearly doubled. The survey also showed a clear generational divide in perceptions of higher education. While younger respondents favored KAIST as the country's best university, those in their 60s and above ranked Seoul National University highest. Despite a shrinking student population and a decline in interest in science and engineering fields, KAIST said its steady rise in applicants demonstrates continued trust in its education model and global competitiveness. Graduate programs have seen similar growth, with applications increasing by an average of 9.5 percent annually over the past four years. International applicants surged 193 percent during the same period, a trend KAIST attributes to its strong research infrastructure and global faculty. Undergraduate retention has also improved. The number of students leaving before graduation fell from 126 in the 2022 academic year to 96 in 2024, while withdrawals to enter medical or dental schools dropped from 58 to 44. "Through systems like the no-major program and the PNR grading policy, we've expanded students' freedom in choosing careers and supported the growth of creative talent," said Kim Yong-hyun, Director of Admissions. President Lee Kwang-hyung added, "The steady rise in students choosing KAIST shows that our education and research are recognized globally. Younger generations now see KAIST as the university leading future innovation." 2025-10-22 19:47:28

Türkiye and Korea mark 75 years since Turkish Brigade's arrival SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - A ceremony was held at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul on October 22 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Turkish Brigade's arrival during the Korean War. The event, organized by the Turkish Embassy in the Republic of Korea, commemorated the landing of Turkish troops in Busan on October 17, 1950, as part of the United Nations Command. Around 21,000 Turkish soldiers served in Korea between 1950 and 1953, with nearly 900 killed and missing, while 244 were taken prisoner. A total of 462 Turkish soldiers remain buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan. Col. Nesimi Kaplan, Türkiye's Defense and Army Attaché, delivered a speech titled "Turkish Brigade's Role in the Korean War," recalling key battles fought by the brigade, including Kunu-ri, Yongin, the Iron Triangle near Chorwon, and the Vegas front near Incheon. "The Turkish Brigade fought fiercely in almost all important battle grounds starting with the first battles with the Chinese troops in a small hamlet named Kunuri," he said. He described how Turkish troops came under attack at Kunu-ri in November 1950 while advancing north. "Fighting for three days and three nights, they managed to break the overwhelming enemy encirclement, delayed the Chinese advance, and allowed an organized retreat for allied troops, albeit suffering high casualties reaching nearly 15 percent of all its troops," Kaplan said. He also shared the story of Pilot First Lieutenant Ali Muzaffer Erdönmez, one of two Turkish Air Force officers dispatched to Korea. "He completed 24 successful sorties but was shot down and martyred on April 21, 1951, when his aircraft crashed as a result of enemy fire while performing a bombing mission in North Korean airspace," Kaplan said. "First Lieutenant Muzaffer Erdönmez is the only air force personnel among our martyrs in Korea." Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer emphasized that Türkiye's involvement in the Korean War helped forge a lasting partnership between the two countries. "In 1950, when the Korean Peninsula was engulfed in war, Türkiye was among the first nations to respond to the United Nations' call," he said. "Our young soldiers crossed the sea not for conquest, but to defend freedom and human dignity." Recalling the Battle of Kumyangjang-ri, the ambassador said, "In that battle, the Turkish Brigade showed extraordinary courage and dedication under siege. Their steadfast defense changed the course of the war and remains a symbol of brotherhood and resolve." Tamer added that the sacrifice of Turkish soldiers became the foundation of today's bilateral ties. "On behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Korea for preserving the memory of our fallen soldiers with sincerity and respect," he said. "May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may the brotherhood between Türkiye and Korea continue to grow stronger for generations to come." The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence in honor of the fallen soldiers and floral tributes at the memorial. 2025-10-22 19:38:05