On June 19, the Republic of Korea Army’s Sergeant Special Promotion Investigation Team held a special promotion ceremony as part of the pre-event for the Patriots’ Music Concert at the National Cemetery in Jeju.
The honorary promotion to the rank of sergeant is part of an initiative to restore dignity and pride to veterans who, despite serving over 30 months of active duty, were discharged as corporals due to the historical promotion regulations in place at the time.
In commemoration of Patriots and Veterans Month, the team selected four individuals from among approximately 500 long-serving corporals residing in Jeju for this event. Mr. Hyun Chang Doo, Mr. Shin Yang Hyun, Mr. Chae Kyu Jin, and Mr. Kang Chang Jin—who all served in the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1968 for periods ranging from 30 to 36 months—were presented with sergeant rank insignia and combat caps during the ceremony.
Mr. Kang Chang Jin shared, “It always weighed on my heart that, unlike my fellow soldiers who were discharged as sergeants, I left the military as a corporal. But now, I feel deeply moved that the nation remembers and honors my sacrifice, even after all these years.”
Since 2021, the investigation team has worked to restore the honor of veterans by awarding promotion letters, congratulatory messages from the Chief of Staff, and sergeant combat caps to 15,565 out of approximately 47,000 former corporals who completed full service.
Major Seo Yang Hee, who led the event, stated, “This special promotion ceremony is the nation’s final salute and symbol of respect to our living heroes. We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that national remembrance and gratitude remain active and visible.”
Veterans or surviving family members wishing to apply for this honorary promotion can submit applications through the Ministry of National Defense, the civil service offices of each military branch, local Military Manpower Administration offices, or the Korean government’s online petition platform.
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