North Korean Residents Persuaded for 20 Hours to Defect at the Demilitarized Zone
Army soldiers who safely secured the defector from North Korea after crossing the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) have received the longest reward vacation.
According to the military on the 22nd, Chairman Kim Myung-soo of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is set to award commendations on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ten soldiers from Army Division A who successfully carried out the defector induction operation on the 3rd.
Among these, two army soldiers who significantly contributed to the success of the operation have been granted a reward vacation of 29 days and 30 nights.
A military official explained, "According to the barracks regulations, reward vacations can be granted within one month in cases where special achievements in operations are recognized," adding, "The vacation was granted based on that regulation."
It is reported that in addition to the commendations from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, some soldiers who contributed to this operation will also receive commendations from the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Army.
Earlier on the 3rd, our military identified a North Korean male resident attempted to defect over the MDL from a guard post (GP) within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and safely brought him outside the DMZ after a 20-hour operation.
At that time, the military reportedly conducted the defector induction operation successfully by approaching the North Korean resident as closely as possible and stating, "We are the Republic of Korea’s army. We will guide you safely."
Meanwhile, in August of last year, a marine contributed to the defection of a North Korean resident and received a reward vacation of 29 days and 30 nights along with a small monetary reward.
The marine was recognized for safely guiding a North Korean resident who was approaching the waters of Ganghwa's Gyodong Island from the North Korean estuary of Yesonggang, crossing the inter-Korean neutral waters.
Image source: AI-generated image by Midjourney for understanding the article / News1, reference photo for understanding the article / Insight
