DILI, 06 august 2022 (TATOLI) – Korean Government considered the Noel-Ekat Memorial Monument as an important historical site for Timor-Leste as it was built to commemorate and remember the death of five South Korean Soldiers who lost their lives in Bobometo village, Oe-Cusse, on march 6, 2003.
The South Korean Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Kim Jeongho, accompanied by Battalion Commander, Kim Yeong Deok, and the President of Authority of RAEOA, Arsenio Paixão Bano, and the grieving family members inaugurated the Noel-Ekat Memorial Monument in Bobometo village, in RAEOA.
Ambassador Jeongho thanked the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea for allocating money for the construction of the monument: “I would also like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both countries for facilitating the grieving family members to visit this memorial monument.”
“On this Noel-Ekat riverside hill, 19 years ago, the five Korean soldiers worked tirelessly to contribute to the independence of the country. We may see the changes of the mountains, especially over last 19 years, but the memory of these soldiers will stay forever in the hearts of the Timorese people,” said Jeongho during the inauguration of the Noel-Ekat Memorial Monument in RAEOA.
On behalf of the South Korean government, Jeongho officially apologized for the death of the soldiers.
“Today, we are gathered here at this monument to honor the dedication of the five Korean soldiers.”
Jeongho called on RAEOA Authority and the people of Oe-Cusse to respect and take care of the monument.
At the same place, Bano thanked the Korean Government for mobilizing its soldiers to Timor-Leste to restore peace and stability following Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002.
“On behalf of Oe-Cusse people, I would like to extend my deep appreciation for the significant contribution and support of the five soldiers and their grieving families,” he said.
The mourning wife of Lieutenant Colonel Byungjo Min, Mrs. Kim Ayeyoung thanked the Government of South Korea and Timor-Leste for constructing the monument to pay tribute to the soldiers.
“It’s been 20 years now, but both governments hadn’t forgotten this incident. We are thankful for your hospitality, caring, and compassion to build this monument,” Ayeyoung said.
The five soldiers – Jo Min, Jin Kyu Park, Jong Hun Back, Hee Choi, Byungjo Min were among the five Korean peacekeepers who died in Oecussi on march 6 when they were swept away by a swift-moving river.
The incident occurred when a vehicle with two of the Korean soldiers on board got stuck crossing the river. Three other soldiers from another vehicle tried to help them, but the strong current carried away all five.
Journalist: Abilio Elo Nini
Editor: Evaristo Sores Martins/ Nelia Borges
Translation: Filomeno Martins
