OECUSSE, 09 March 2026 (TATOLI) -The Government of the Republic of Korea, through its Embassy in Timor-Leste, joined Timorese authorities in a solemn ceremony to honor five South Korean soldiers who lost their lives on March 6, 2003, at Noel-Ekat while serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste.
South Korean Ambassador Chang Hayeon, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, and President of the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) Régio da Cruz Salu gathered at the Korean Garden Monument in Oébau, Pante Makasar, to light candles and lay flowers in remembrance.
Minister Jerónimo emphasized the enduring gratitude of the Timorese people.
“As Timorese, we must be grateful and proud. We honor them because they were part of Timor’s journey when they carried out their mission here. Their sacrifice came at a difficult time, and their contribution to our independence was truly significant. Even though Timor-Leste does not yet send soldiers abroad for peace missions, one day we may do so, and our soldiers too could face hardships as these soldiers did. Their example reminds us of the shared responsibility for peace.”
Ambassador Chang emphasized that the soldiers’ mission was solely to safeguard peace in Timor-Leste, particularly in Oecusse, and that their sacrifice continues to strengthen the bond between the Korean and Timorese peoples.
“We will never forget their sacrifice. It remains a bridge of solidarity between our nations,” he stated.
RAEOA President Régio da Cruz Salu expressed gratitude for the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
“We bow before these martyrs who gave their lives for our land so that we could govern ourselves. By honoring their strength and sacrifice, we strengthen our nation and our state.”
The five soldiers honored were Lieutenant Colonel Byungjo Min, Lieutenant Colonel Jin Kyu Park, Sergeant Jong Hoon Baek, Sergeant Jeong Joong Kim and Sergeant Hee Choi.
Their memory stands as a symbol of sacrifice, solidarity, and the enduring partnership between Timor-Leste and South Korea.
Journalist: Abilio Elo Nini
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
