Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Former soldiers who are now broadcasters have been appointed as promotional ambassadors.

They will engage in a range of activities aligned with the event.

Cast members from the TV entertainment program Steel Troops will also participate as supporters.

The government is considering designating Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday.

The application deadline for citizens to participate in the event is September 7.

Choi Yeong-jae and Agent H, who were appointed as promotional ambassadors for the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, are pictured with participants at the Armed Forces Day Event Planning Group Office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on August 26. From left to right: Reservist Sergeant First Class Lee Dong-gyu, formerly of the Korea Defense Intelligence Command, Army Brigadier General Jeong Gu-hwan, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Day Event Planning Group, Army Reservist Major Choi Yeong-jae, Army Lieutenant General Kim Bong-su, Chief of the Armed Forces Day Event Planning Group, Agent H, Reservist Petty Officer First Class Kim Min-jun, formerly of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla, and Reservist Master Sergeant Hong Beom-seok, formerly of the Army Special Warfare Command.

Reported by Kim Byeong-mun

The Armed Forces Day Event Planning Group, which is organizing the 76th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Armed Forces, announced on August 26 that it has appointed Army Reservist Major Choi Yeong-jae, a former soldier now working as a broadcaster, and Navy Reservist Petty Officer First Class Hwang Ji-hun, also known as Agent H, as promotional ambassadors for this year's Armed Forces Day events.

For the first time, Armed Forces Day will feature ambassadors who will assist in bridging communication between the Armed Forces and the general public.

The promotional ambassadors will participate in various activities aligned with the Armed Forces Day theme of unity with the people, using their skills to support related promotional efforts.

The Planning Group stated, “The appointed ambassadors have demonstrated the leadership, strength, and professionalism of the military to the public through their broadcasts and have maintained a positive image by participating in campaigns that promote and reward patriotism.”

It added, “We expect the promotional ambassadors to help enhance the image of the Armed Forces as both strong and approachable.”

Choi Yeong-jae gained extensive experience in special warfare units during his military service and became known to the public through his role on the TV show Steel Troops. He retired as an army captain and was later promoted to major through the Reserve Promotion System. He currently appears on television and gives lectures to schools, police, and other government agencies. Notably, he has been actively involved in social good initiatives such as the Memorial Day Appreciation Challenge and the Military Manpower Administration’s Military Service Obligation Fulfillment Campaign.

Choi said, “As an honorary ambassador, I am committed to bringing the armed forces and the people closer together with a strong sense of mission.”

Agent H, the operator of the YouTube channel “Mission Impossible” and a broadcaster, previously served as a member of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla (UDT/SEAL), where he gained professional knowledge and real-world combat experience. He is particularly known for advocating for better treatment of soldiers and national merit recipients, as well as for his fundraising efforts for Korean War veterans and persons of national merit. Last year, he pledged to donate KRW 380 million over three years and received a citation from the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for his contribution to promoting a culture of honoring veterans.

Agent H said, "I am dedicated to increasing public participation and interest so that people can develop respect and appreciation for the armed forces.”

Reservist Master Sergeant Hong Beom-seok, formerly of the Army Special Warfare Command, who has been appearing on the entertainment TV show Steel Troops since 2021, alongside Reservist Sergeant First Class Lee Dong-gyu, formerly of the Korea Defense Intelligence Command, and Petty Officer First Class Kim Min-jun, formerly of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla (UDT/SEAL), will assist in promotional activities as supporters.

The promotional ambassadors and supporters will continue their efforts at the Army Ground Forces Festival, which will be held from October 2 to 6 as part of the K Military Festival, following the Armed Forces Day event.

The government, along with the Office of the President and the People Power Party, is considering declaring Armed Forces Day a temporary holiday. Han Ji-ah, chief spokeswoman of the People Power Party, mentioned that the matter was discussed during a briefing held after the 20th high-level consultative meeting between the party and the government on August 25.

At the meeting, the People Power Party urged the government to designate Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday. The government will consider the proposal, taking into account military morale, the promotion of consumer spending, and the potential burden on businesses.

Citizen applications to participate in the Armed Forces Day event will be accepted until September 7. Applications can be submitted online via the Armed Forces Day 76th Anniversary event website (k-military.kr) and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event will be divided into an Armed Forces Day celebration ceremony and street marches. Registration for the ceremony will be limited to 500 participants, who will be transported by bus from the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to Seoul Air Base.

For the street march from Sungnyemun Gate to Gwanghwamun Gate, observation areas will be set up at Seoul City Hall and the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The entrance points for citizens participating in the march will be located at Seoul City Hall and Deoksugung Gate.

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>