Remains of 19-Year-Old Soldier Killed in 1950 Pohang Battle Returned to Family

The Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification announced Wednesday that it had recovered and returned to family members the remains of Private Jeong Yong-hwan, a fallen hero of the Korean War.

Since the deceased was unmarried and had no immediate family, precise details such as his enlistment date were difficult to confirm. However, his nephew Jeong Heon-man provided testimony that helped piece together his wartime service.

After enlisting, Private Jeong was assigned to the Republic of Korea Army 3rd Division and participated in the Battle of Pohang from August 9 to September 22, 1950. He was killed in action at the age of 19.

The Battle of Pohang was a defensive operation in which the ROK 3rd, 7th, and 8th Divisions blocked the North Korean 2nd Corps, which had broken through the eastern front and was attempting to advance toward Busan via Angang and Gyeongju.

The agency held a ceremony Wednesday to honor the returning hero and presented family members with identity confirmation documents and personal effects.

Private Jeong is the 18th fallen soldier to be identified this year. Since the remains recovery project began in April 2000, a total of 266 South Korean war dead, including Private Jeong, have been identified.