SPECIAL
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The information about the attempted assassination of the South Korean president in 1968 (see the article The way is shut) is here supplemented with a transcript of the text from the memorial erected in honor of two police officers. Their death in combat against overwhelming odds played a decisive role in thwarting the assassination attempt.
This memorial is one of many; most people might not even notice it, let alone examine its contents. The police officers mentioned below—even though their names are known—are, in essence, anonymous heroes, yet heroes nonetheless.
In Czech history, figures such as Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš also fell for a better future (among others!). South Korea’s present might have been different if the assassination attempt had succeeded, and the present of the Czech Republic would almost certainly have been different if the assassination attempt had not succeeded.
Superintendent General Choi Gyu-sik was born in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, on September 9, 1931, and began his police service in 1961.
While serving as the chief officer of the Jongno Police Station, he received a classified report on January 21, 1968, concerning a North Korean commando unit composed of 31 operatives, including Kim Sin-jo. The unit was moving southward from the Paju area to launch a surprise attack on the South Korean Presidential Office, Cheongwadae (the Blue House). To block the infiltrators, he deployed police officers under his command.
He pursued the commando unit, which came close to the Cheongwadae (in front of the Cheongun Silver Center). He intercepted the armed operatives for inspection, but the commandos pulled out machine guns concealed in their clothing, opened fire, and began hurling grenades, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Although Police Chief Choi Gyu-sik was wounded in the heart and abdomen, he ordered his men to protect Cheongwadae before succumbing to his injuries. His actions prevented the commandos from advancing on Cheongwadae.
Choi, responsible for security in the area, remained committed to his duty until his final moments. To honor his sacrifice, he was posthumously promoted to Superintendent General and awarded the Order of Taegeuk Military Merit.
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Assistant Inspector Jung Jong-su was born in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on July 17, 1935, and began police service in 1960. He was stationed at Jongno Police Station during the 1968 Blue House Raid and was killed in battle alongside Superintendent General Choi Gyu-sik while fighting the North Korean operatives. He was posthumously promoted to Assistant Inspector Officer and awarded the Hwarang Order of Military Merit.
A memorial site now stands where these two officers gave their lives resisting the North Korean operatives. Overlooking the road to Cheongwadae at Jahamun Pass, a bronze statue and a memorial monument honor the memory of these two national heroes.
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