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Busan Metropolitan City to Hold the 11th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “11th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony” today (27) at 13:30 in the City Hall Grand Auditorium.

West Sea Defense Day was established as a government commemorative day following the revision of the Regulations on Various Commemorative Days in March 2016 to remember and honor the victims of North Korea’s provocations in the Northern Limit Line (NLL) waters of the West Sea, including the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong (June 29, 2002), the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan (March 26, 2010), and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island (November 23, 2010). The day is observed annually on the fourth Friday of March, as the Cheonan incident—resulting in the greatest number of casualties—occurred on a Friday.

Now in its 11th year, West Sea Defense Day commemorates the sacrifice and dedication of 55 heroes who gave their lives in response to North Korea’s provocations in the West Sea, including the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong (2002), the sinking of the Cheonan (2010), and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island (2010).

The ceremony, co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and organized by the Busan branch of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, will be attended by approximately 700 people, including Mayor Park Heong-joon, bereaved families of the fallen heroes, heads of major institutions, military personnel, and representatives from veterans and civic groups.

The program will include the national ceremony, a screening of a relay introduction (roll call) video of the 55 West Sea defense heroes, a commemorative address by Mayor Park Heong-joon, memorial remarks by the head of the Busan Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Chair of the Busan Metropolitan City Council, and the Superintendent of the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education, followed by memorial and commemorative performances.

This year’s ceremony, under the theme “Our Sea, the West Sea: Toward Peace and Prosperity,” is designed to go beyond remembrance and serve as a meaningful occasion to share the value of national security with citizens.

At the entrance of the venue, ROTC cadets from Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University will hold portraits of the 55 heroes in a tribute display, conveying their courage, fighting spirit, and shining patriotism to the public.

In particular, a performance by soprano Kwon Sora, the daughter of the late Major Kwon Ui-jun who died in the line of duty, will honor the 55 heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In addition, a specially produced relay introduction (roll call) video aligned with the ceremony’s theme will be screened to reflect on their devotion.

Furthermore, around 100 local students—including those from Seyeon High School, the alma mater of the late Petty Officer First Class Moon Young-uk of the Cheonan, and Busan Digital High School, the alma mater of the late Staff Sergeant Kim Dong-jin—will attend, providing an opportunity for future generations to inherit the proud history of defending the West Sea.

Mayor Park Heong-joon is expected to state, “The peace we enjoy in our daily lives today is possible because of the great courage of heroes who never retreated even amid the rough waves of the West Sea,” and add, “On the foundation of freedom and peace they safeguarded, we will devote all administrative capabilities to completing Busan as a global hub city leading the Republic of Korea’s next leap forward.”