[2026-01-14] Let Us Never Repeat the Tragedy of Fratricidal Conflict

[2026-01-14] Let Us Never Repeat the Tragedy of Fratricidal Conflict

After liberation on August 15, Korea was divided into North and South, and ideologies and beliefs were also split. As a result, the tragic fratricidal conflict of the Korean War (June 25 War) broke out. At that time, President Lee ○○ of South Korea faced the war without any preparation. Consequently, North Korean forces advanced rapidly as far as Daegu. Later, UN forces came to the aid of South Korea and pushed the front line back up to the 38th parallel.

At that time, neither South nor North Korea could produce even a single bullet. Yet they fought a war in which they killed fellow Koreans using guns and weapons imported from foreign countries. I, too, participated in this war as a frontline combat soldier. How many young people from both the South and the North lost their lives? This war was a shameful fratricidal conflict. How could such a history be presented with pride to future generations?

Because of this tragic fratricidal war, both the South and the North were plunged into enormous debt. Not a single bullet fired by either side was given for free, nor did the UN forces help without cost. As a result, both sides incurred massive debts. This was the tragedy that followed liberation on August 15.

Why did fellow countrymen have to kill one another? It was because the United States and the Soviet Union divided our country ideologically and instigated war in order to sell their weapons and pursue their own national interests. As a result, our nation was split into two countries and two ideologies, turning the South and the North into enemies.

How great was the debt incurred by both sides because of the fratricidal tragedy of the Korean War? It was the outcome of the schemes of the United States and the Soviet Union. At one time, these two powers controlled our country, turned it into a battlefield, sold off their long-stored surplus weapons, and drove both the South and the North into even deeper poverty through this tragic war between brethren.

More than 70 years have passed since the armistice of the Korean War, and today the Republic of Korea has achieved remarkable development and joined the ranks of major economic powers. This is a proud achievement made possible by the unity and collective effort of all its people.

However, the sorrow of separated families caused by the Korean War still remains with us. Now, we must never repeat the tragedy of fratricidal conflict. Issues between the South and the North must be resolved through dialogue and compromise.