On Thursday, June 26, at 2 PM, the "Chilsung Cooling Concert" will be held at the 7th Division Gymnasium in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do. Approximately 1,500 soldiers from the Republic of Korea Army's 7th Division, along with about 40 overseas Koreans and general members, will attend. This event is hosted by the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association (Chairman Kim Myung-chan) and is organized to comfort and encourage frontline soldiers dedicated to defending the nation during June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans.
Republic of Korea's Security Frontline: The 7th Division 'Chilsung Unit'
The Republic of Korea, the world's only divided nation, faces threats from North Korea's nuclear weapons development and frequent provocations by the three-generation hereditary dictatorship. In this grave situation, elite soldiers of the Republic of Korea are stationed along the 38th parallel, from Goseong in Gangwon-do to Baengnyeongdo in Ganghwa-do, carrying out the mission of national defense in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Corps. Among them, the Republic of Korea Army's 7th Division 'Chilsung Unit,' known for its intensive training in rugged terrain, is the focus of this comfort performance. The Chilsung Unit is recognized as the best division in the Republic of Korea, having received a total of 13 (or 18) Presidential Unit Citations since its establishment.
Historically, the 7th Division holds deep significance. Former President Park Chung-hee served as its 12th division commander. During the Korean War, it was the first Republic of Korea Army unit to enter Pyongyang and proudly hoisted the Taegeukgi (Korean flag) in Kim Il Sung Square. This concert for the soldiers of the 7th Division, with such a rich history and tradition, holds even deeper meaning.
Diverse Programs and Special Events to Energize Soldiers
The "Chilsung Cooling Concert" also marks the resumption of comfort performances for frontline divisions, which had been suspended for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert will feature a special performance by 'Indian Cusco,' presenting traditional South American indigenous music. Under the general artistic direction of Grace Cho (Director of New Asia Opera Company), various genres of music will be showcased. Considering the preferences of MZ generation soldiers, the concert will also include exciting club dances by the female idol group 'Captain Crew' and club music by DJ Byun Hyun-moo, who is actively performing in Gangnam, promising an enthusiastic response.
Furthermore, top Korean musicians such as popera singer Yoon Ye-won (Director of Seoul Opera Company) and electric violinist Jeon Ji-kyung will deliver high-quality performances. Notably, Yoo Se-jin, an announcer currently active at Yonhap News, will serve as the special host for this event, which is expected to generate significant buzz.
In addition to the performances, special gifts and events are prepared for the soldiers. Division Commander Kim Jin-ho (ROTC 31st class) has prepared about 20 leave passes, which will bring great joy to the soldiers through various quizzes and talent shows. Also, as a surprise event for soldiers whose birthday is June 26, a birthday cake, a special leave pass, and 10 sets of cosmetics will be provided by the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association.
Visiting Frontline GOP, Overseas Koreans' Extraordinary Security Awareness
The delegation from the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association will visit the GOP by vehicle provided by the division, entering within the barbed wire fence through special measures by the UNC and cooperation from the JCS. Visiting a frontline outpost, facing North Korean guard posts just a hundred meters away, is significant in itself. This will be a valuable opportunity for overseas Koreans to directly experience the reality of the Republic of Korea's security and understand the hard work of the soldiers.
Following this visit to the 7th Division, the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association plans to visit the 12th Division next and intends to coordinate the schedule with the 12th Division soon.
Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association's Continuous Service and Activities
The Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association, founded in 2009 as the 'Overseas Koreans Federation of the Minli Minan National Union,' has consistently engaged in social contribution activities for 15 years. Every year, around year-end and New Year, they have carried out volunteer activities for those in blind spots of society, such as sharing briquettes and rice for neighbors in need, assisting elderly living alone, and distributing lunch boxes to the homeless.
After changing its name to the current one in 2010, the association has held annual world conferences for its members. The 1st conference was held in LA, West Coast, USA; the 2nd in Orange County, West Coast, USA; the 3rd at Namsan Hilton Hotel; and the 4th at Swiss Grand Hotel. Last year, the 5th World Conference was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This year, the 6th World Conference is scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Furthermore, the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association has actively participated in the fundraising project for the establishment of the Syngman Rhee Presidential Memorial Hall. They have collected over 100 million won in donations from 124 donors in Vietnam, Australia, the United States, Cambodia, and Canada, contributing to raising awareness of the importance of Korean history. In 2013 and 2014, they recruited several hundred investors for the Kaesong Industrial Complex Overseas Korean Investment Visit Group three times, achieving significant results through on-site visits.
The Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association is also actively involved in projects to properly establish history, doing its best to restore the "Peace Pavilion" built by the Pigeon Unit of Korean soldiers dispatched to Vietnam, located at the Ho Chi Minh City District 5 roundabout.
Composed of approximately 3,000 members across 68 countries worldwide, the Overseas Koreans World Leaders Association is a formally registered NGO and the world's only self-service organization composed of overseas Korean leaders. It is organized into a vice-chairman group centered around the chairman, continental general federations, national committees, and functional committees by department, continuing its active engagements.
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