Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Dong-gy expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people as he commemorated the legacy of Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) veterans in the Korean War.

During his speech Thursday at the annual Korean National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day, Lee celebrated the longstanding relationship of the Philippines and South Korea.

It all began, he said, during South Korea’s most difficult times, the Korean War in 1950 to 1953.

The war began when North Korea and its allies, including China, made an offensive against South Korea’s early steps as a self-governing state.

The Philippines was the first Asian country among members of the United Nations to respond to South Korea’s call for aid, deploying 7,420 soldiers.

On Nov. 11, 1950, the PEFTOK won its first battle on foreign soil, the Battle of Miudong.

Another significant battle was the Battle of Yultong, where the 10th battalion combat team of PEFTOK emerged victorious despite being severely outnumbered.

The late President Fidel V. Ramos served as platoon leader and reconnaissance officer for the PEFTOK 20th Battalion Combat Team in 1951 to 1952.

History credits him for leading an assault that captured and sabotaged a North Korean and Chinese-held fortification at the Battle of Hill Eerie in May 1952.

Lee emphasized on the “shared sacrifices” of the two nations, recalling how PEFTOK veterans were acknowledged with awards granted by the South Korean government.

The ones who lost their lives were posthumously awarded and immortalized in monuments — forever part of South Korea’s history.

In 2024, PEFTOK veterans, Benjamin Quiros, who was 97 at the time, was awarded the “Cane of Longevity” by Korea.

Today, only 42 PEFTOK veterans are alive and Lee expressed regret that they were unable to join the celebration this year.

In her speech, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa De Vega noted that Filipinos have grown to love Korean culture, being one of the most avid consumers of K-pop and K-dramas all over the world.

The continuing growth of tourism between South Korea and the Philippines also contributes to the mutual development of both countries, De Vega said. (PNA)