Remembering a night in Gangneung and the meaning of security

Kim Won-bae
The author is an editorial writer at the JoongAng Ilbo.
In the early hours of Sept. 18, 1996, a North Korean submarine ran aground off the coast of Gangneung. While many had heard of the 1968 Blue House raid by Kim Shin-jo's commando unit, few imagined North Korean forces infiltrating deep into the country from the east. Back then, I was a reporter covering social affairs, and traveled to Gangneung to report on the incident. For about a week after the incident, military authorities did not strictly control the press, allowing reporters to visit the scene. One night, I came across soldiers lying in ambush on a mountainside. The memory of that hour has remained vivid in my mind after all this time.

After the incident, many North Korean crew members died in an apparent explosion, while those who escaped were special forces operatives. South Korean troops had already suffered casualties from surprise gunfire. The night air was cold, and some South Korean soldiers in trenches trembled under the intense stress. I felt the same fear: It was a primal anxiety that unseen enemies might fire at any moment. National security at that moment was no abstract slogan but a matter of survival. Over 49 days of operations, 18 soldiers, police officers, reservists and civilians were killed. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the incident, raising the question of how well their sacrifices are remembered.
Korean society has long been shaped by resistance to foreign invasions. From the Imjin War to the Japanese occupation and the Korean War, the military has been viewed as a force that protects the nation from external threats. Many of Korea's historic heroes are remembered for defending the country. Today, however, the context has changed. Korea depends heavily on global trade and energy imports, meaning security is no longer confined within national borders.

Recent international developments highlight this reality. The Russia-Ukraine war has underscored the continued importance of power politics. More recently, tensions between the United States and Iran have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, driving up oil prices and affecting the global economy. In such circumstances, the scope of national security inevitably extends to wherever national interests are at stake. If conflicts intensify, calls for burden sharing among allies could grow stronger. While key U.S. allies currently remain cautious, Korea could face difficult choices if the situation escalates, whether in this crisis or another in the future.
Korea's navy already operates overseas through the Cheonghae Unit. While its current missions focus on anti-piracy operations, the nature and risks of such deployments could change as threats evolve. Even with advanced equipment, the uncertainty of not knowing when or where danger might arise remains. The fear felt in such situations is unlikely to differ much from what soldiers experienced 30 years ago. Recognizing and respecting those who carry out their duties under such conditions is essential.
The film "Ray" (2004), which depicts the life of American singer Ray Charles, includes a scene set in 1948 in which the protagonist boards a long-distance bus. A white driver initially treats him harshly due to his race and blindness. When Ray falsely claims he lost his sight during the Normandy landings, the driver's attitude changes and he offers him a seat in the back. Even in an era of severe racial discrimination, wounded World War II veterans commanded respect.
A similar sense of respect was evident in the United States on Feb. 24, when U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a state address to Congress. The highlight of the event was the recognition of retired Col. Elmer Royce Williams, a 100-year-old Korean War veteran credited with downing four Soviet MiG fighters in a single engagement. First lady Melania Trump presented him with a medal as lawmakers from both parties rose to applaud.

Korea's response to its own veterans has n...