Soldiers' letters from Korean, Vietnam wars released

In commemoration of Memorial Day, the National Archives of Korea in Seoul released letters written by South Korean soldiers fighting in the Korean War in the 1950s and the Vietnam War in the 1970s.

Reflecting a longing for their families, the letters were written by young soldiers who fought for their country. Their families visited the website of Seoul National Cemetery to read their letters and post replies.

○ Letters from the battlefield

"My dear wife! Let`s endure until things get better. We`ll be happy as long as we have faith in each other. I don`t want lots of money, but hope that we`re healthy both mentally and physically. All Korean soldiers here in Vietnam think the same".

This was a letter written by Capt. Jeong Yeong-hwan, who fought in the Vietnam War in the 1970s. It reflects a husband`s anguish of having left his wife behind. In another letter, he wrote, "I`m curious if you are carrying a baby. I really hope so", reflecting his anticipation of having a child.

These are a few of what the archives released Tuesday among letters written by South Korean soldiers in the Vietnam and Korean wars.

Another soldier who sent a letter to his parents-in-law during the Korean War wrote, "I`m doing well here, thanks for all the concern you`ve shown. I`m doing my best to do my duty, so don`t worry".

○ Connected online

Others sent letters in memory of the deceased, with one saying, "My son! My heart feels so cold that you`re no longer here".

On an online space prepared by Seoul National Cemetery and Daejeon National Cemetery for people paying tribute to the deceased, 20 to 30 letters were being posted daily ahead of Memorial Day on Wednesday.

On a bulletin board that opened in January 2002, people who lost their sons or fathers in as well as fellow soldiers and subordinates and superiors of the deceased uploaded letters longing for them. A combined 19,600 postings have been made as of Tuesday.