The Korean War has always felt deeply personal to me. It’s not just a chapter in history—it’s the foundation of my very existence. Growing up, my mother often shared a story that shaped my perspective on life and gratitude.
A Childhood Marked by War
My mother was only eight years old during the Korean War, but the memories stayed with her. One day, soldiers from the northern army came to her home and demanded rice. Her family was so poor that if her mother gave it away, her children would go hungry.
In a desperate attempt to save a little for her family, my grandmother tried to pull the bag of rice off the ground. Angered by her resistance, a soldier struck her in the chest with his rifle, knocking her to the ground and calling her a terrible name. My mother, terrified, could only cry.
Despite the violence, my grandmother didn’t give up. After the soldiers left, she knelt on the dirt floor, gathering whatever grains of rice she could salvage for her children. That resilience is something I think about often—how much she endured to ensure her children’s survival.
The War That Defined My Family’s History
This story has always made the Korean War more than just a historical event to me. It was a defining moment in my family’s history. If my grandmother hadn’t been so strong, if the soldiers had gone further with their cruelty, my mother might not have survived. And if she hadn’t survived, I wouldn’t be here.
A Chance Encounter with a War Veteran
Years later, I found myself reflecting on this connection again. In the early 2000s, I met an elderly gentleman at a clothing store in the U.S. He was sitting on a chair and struck up a conversation, asking me where I was from. When I said, “Korea,” his face lit up. He told me he had served in the Korean War.
I’ll never forget that moment. I looked at him and said, “I owe you my life. Thank you.” He smiled modestly, but for me, it was a profound exchange. The sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers made weren’t just abstract—they directly impacted my family and me.
Discovering a Monument to Korean War Veterans
Another poignant moment came when I visited Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta. As I wandered around, I discovered a monument bearing the names of 125 Korean War veterans. Standing there, I couldn’t help but think about how these veterans had protected my parents during one of the darkest times in Korea’s history. And now, decades later, their descendants were likely serving me as a tourist.
It was a humbling realization. The kindness and sacrifices of these soldiers have rippled across generations, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that we, as Koreans, haven’t done enough to repay them. Why do they keep doing so much good for us, while we still owe them so much?
Building Bridges Between Korea and the U.S.
This reflection is what drives my deep appreciation for the connection between Korea and the United States. It’s not just a political alliance—it’s a shared history of sacrifice, compassion, and mutual support. U.S. soldiers, many just young men, traveled thousands of miles to fight for a country they barely knew. Their efforts saved countless lives, including my mother’s, and gave future generations, including me, the chance to live and thrive.
Carrying Gratitude Into the Future
As I think about these moments, I feel a responsibility to carry that gratitude forward. It’s not enough to simply say “thank you.” We must honor these sacrifices by building bridges between our two nations—through education, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
The bond between Korea and the U.S. is rooted in these shared stories and sacrifices. By remembering and honoring our intertwined histories, we can continue to strengthen this connection for future generations.