Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The Cheonghae unit spreads ‘Korean wave’ in the United Arab Emirates(UAE)

The Cheonghae unit, which has been working to boost Korea's national prestige and the Korean army’s status with outstanding mission capabilities, is propagating the Korean wave in the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

On April 18, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the 20th Cheonghae unit put on a cultural performance at Korean Cultural Center in the UAE, Abu Dhabi on April 14, and it was very well-received. The unit is now on its way home after successfully completing a safe navigation supporting mission for domestic and overseas vessels near the Gulf of Aden.

The cultural performance for students of the center and local residents was held at the Korean Cultural Center, the first Korean center to be opened in the Middle East on March 10, making it particularly meaningful. The performance consisted of an introduction about the Korean Navy, a Nanta performance and K-POP dance. The K-POP dance was particularly well-received by the local residents, proving the Korean wave in the Middle East.

Director of UAE Korean Cultural Center, Park Hyo-gun, said, “The Korean cultural performance by Cheonghae unit, which represents the Korean army, gives us an opportunity to broaden our cultural exchanges with the UAE. We hope to continue this cooperative exchange with Cheonghae unit.”

The 20th Cheonghae unit, led by Colonel Ahn Sang-min, has a 4,400-ton class destroyer, Choi Young Ham(DDH-981) and around 300 soldiers in a stop and search group consisting of UDT/SEAL agents, flying corps operating Lynx, marine security, and more. After the completion of vessel escort, anti-piracy, maritime security operation, etc., it took turns with the 21st Wang Gun Ham(DDH-978).

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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