Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

On May 15th, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that it has discovered the first complete set of remains of a Republic of Korean soldier believed to have been killed in the Korean War in the Arrowhead Ridge area on the South’s side in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Under the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement, the two Koreas have undertaken a number practical initiatives together, including demining, to ease military tensions, and have performed the first excavations of war remains in the DMZ in over 65 years. 

Since April 1st, the MND has been expanding its excavation areas in preparation for the inter-Korean joint excavation project. During the expansion of excavation areas, along with the complete remains, the ministry discovered a rank insignia of a staff sergeant, one military helmet, one canteen, one spoon and two cartridges, believed to belong to a Republic of Korean soldier killed in the Korean War. The MND Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification believe that the recovered items to belong to a fallen Republic of Korean soldier, but the MND said it will carry out a detailed examination and DNA analysis for exact identification. Meanwhile, a total of 220 pieces of bones including complete remains were discovered from April 1st to April 15th; among them, 57 pieces of bones were identified over the past week. 

“Regarding the fallen soldiers’ remains to be discovered when demining and basic excavation work are underway, the MND will continue to recover them with honorable treatment and take full responsibility to bring them back to the bosoms of their families until the remains of the last fallen soldier are found,” said a ministry spokesperson. 

By Su-Yeon, Lee <lsyglee96@dema.mil.kr >