Good Neighbor News

Understanding the Importance of ROK-US Alliance Spreads

Retired General Paik Sun-yup lectures on national security to KATUSAs

Korea Defense Daily

“Our people must not forget that during the Korean War both Korean and US soldiers fought to protect this land under a blood alliance. This is what I want to say as an old soldier that I am now.”

Retired ROK General Paik Sun-yup (88) made latest comments during a special lecture held on October 29th marking the USFK Eighth Army Korean Forces Support Group’s 58th anniversary of the KATUSA system and the 44th anniversary of its formal establishment.

At the Yongsan Garrison’s Balboni Theater, General Paik lectured for an hour and a half to some 450 KATUSA soldiers. The General described in details of his experience in the Korean War and repeatedly stressed the importance of ROK-US alliance. In particular, General Paik vividly described his experience in taking charge of the ROK Army during the war to turn around an adverse situation in the Daboodong Battle.

General Paik said he “personally sat down with soldiers who were wishing to retreat from the difficult battle, and persuaded them to not give up now.” The General also said, “I told them, if you want to retreat, you have to shoot me first. I then went out in the frontline and ordered them to attack, which boosted the soldiers’ morale to recapture the high ground.”

General Paik also explained the background on how the system of KATUSA soldiers, that was formed under an agreement between then-Korean President Rhee Syngman and US General Douglas MacArthur, got deployed for the Inchon Landing. Paik said KATUSA soldiers were the first ones to be deployed to the battle. The lecture room also was silent for a moment when the KATUSA soldiers heard about the courage and sacrifice made by their fellow soldiers in the battle.

Many Korean and US soldiers attended the lecture called ‘The Hero of Korean War’, to personally meet General Paik. They got to shake hands with the General and also take a souvenir picture.

KATUSA Sergeant Paik Hyuk-gi said “It was a precious time to remember the importance of the ROK-US alliance and the sacrifice made by our fellow soldiers by meeting General Paik and also listening to his lecture, as he is known as a legend to many US soldiers.”