The funeral for two Army pilots who died during training when their Cobra helicopter crashed was held, with tributes paid to their dedication and sacrifices.
On the morning of December 12, a solemn funeral was held at the National Military Hospital in Seongnam, South Korea, for Army pilots Chief Warrant Officer Jeong Sang-geun and Warrant Officer Jang Hee-seong, who died tragically in a helicopter crash during training. The ceremony was presided over by the Army Chief of Staff, with attendees including the families of the deceased, senior Army officers, and representatives from the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighting the significant military support and respect afforded to the fallen pilots.
During the funeral, Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyu-ha emphasized the noteworthy qualities of both pilots, calling Jeong Sang-geun a highly respected veteran pilot committed to mentoring younger pilots and furthering Army aviation development. Jang Hee-seong was commended for his dedication, having returned to duty as a proud helicopter pilot after completing his military service as a reserve officer. Both were honored for their ultimate sacrifice in protecting the safety and lives of citizens, a testament to their steadfast military spirit.
In a poignant tribute, Jeon Seung-seop, representing fellow comrades, expressed profound admiration for the courage and decisions made by the two pilots, acknowledging the significant void their sudden departure has left in the ranks. The funeral included plans for an interment ceremony at the National Cemetery in Seoul later that afternoon. Following the tragic accident that occurred during an emergency drill on November 9, wherein the helicopter crashed into a river in the Gapyeong area, the Army has formed a joint investigation commission to determine the cause of the crash in a transparent manner while implementing measures to prevent future incidents, which will involve experts and authorities from various fields.
