Remembering the Korean War by Capturing the Faces of Its Veterans: Project Soldier

Again, today, June 25th, marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

Even after 75 years, stories and sacrifices of war veterans continue to be recollected through efforts like this photographer's who's spent over a decade taking pictures of Korean war veterans.

Kim Bo-kyoung has more.

An American war veteran, with a Korean flag next to him.

He is a veteran of the Korean War, one of one-million-950-thousand soldiers from 22 countries who fought for freedom on the Korean Peninsula.

Some call it "the Forgotten War," but with the belief that the war, and veterans' memories should not fade away, photographer Rami has been documenting Korean War veterans under an initiative named "Project Soldier."

Since he started in 2013, Rami has met more than 25-hundred Korean War veterans, recording their stories.

"Out of the 2,500 veterans we've interviewed so far, was there any veteran's story that stood out to you?"

"All the interviews were meaningful, but Colonel William Weber stood out. When veterans see their photos that make them feel like real heroes, they often tear up and ask about the price of the frame. I usually say 'I'm just repaying a small debt.' But Colonel Weber told me I was wrong—that as a professional soldier, he simply did his duty, and Koreans owe them nothing."

Photographer Rami's journey to document the veterans is not just to leave their stories behind;

It is to let people know the value of freedom --and that freedom is not free.

Sometimes, military items were used in the photos to show that.

"The helmet is more than just equipment; it has a symbolic meaning of protecting freedom and peace. Each veteran wrote their name, military unit, and service time on a helmet before taking the photo — showing the lasting symbol of the freedom they helped defend."

For freedom to truly endure, the sacrifices of veterans must be remembered—a message that resonates even with soldiers currently serving in Korea.

Humbled, one said he was moved by how the photos capture the deep sincerity of senior veterans' commitment to freedom.

"Even for me who's currently still serving, it has inspired me to make sure I do as good as I can every day in support of the ROK-US alliance and UNC right now. And then I'm really hopeful that our younger generation can come and see the why life is so great here in Korea."

The photographer now aims to go beyond documenting war veterans—to share the stories of those who protect our freedom today.

"After them, many others have stood to protect freedom—U.S. veterans in Korea, police, firefighters. I'll be sharing more stories of the guardians of freedom today."

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.