A concert of the '慰問列車' (慰問列車) was held on Yeonpyeong Island for the first time in 15 years, following a request from a Marine nearing discharge.
The Defense Public Relations Agency's KFN TV announced on November 5 that the concert took place on November 4 at the Yeonpyeong Sports Complex, attended by over 1,000 Marines from the Yeonpyeong unit and local residents.
This event was initiated after a Marine's suggestion during President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to the Yeonpyeong unit in June. The Marine, who is about to be discharged, requested that a concert be held so that his successors could enjoy it. President Yoon responded by asking for a review of the possibility of hosting the concert.
This was the first '慰問列車' concert on Yeonpyeong Island since 2011. According to the Defense Public Relations Agency, the number of concerts is limited compared to the number of units requesting them, resulting in fewer opportunities for Marines stationed in remote areas to attend. The last concert on Baengnyeong Island was held in 2017.
The concert featured performances by singers Kim Jang-hoon and Soyumi. Marines and residents enjoyed the show together for about two hours starting at 4 p.m.
One Marine expressed his surprise, saying, "I never dreamed I would actually see a '慰問列車' concert on Yeonpyeong Island during my military service." A local resident added, "Due to the island's characteristics, we have almost no cultural benefits, so it was a very enjoyable time to have this concert here."
Launched in 1962, the '慰問列車' is the longest-running concert program in South Korea, visiting military bases nationwide to uplift service members. It has performed over 3,000 times, including shows at the front lines during the Vietnam War, and is listed in the Korean Guinness records. The program features performances by artists and a talent show segment called 'Living Quarters Star Wars.'
Baek Jong-ho, head of the Defense Public Relations Agency, stated, "We will strive to expand performances in remote units so that more service members can benefit from these events."
The '慰問列車' airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on KFN TV, with the Yeonpyeong unit's segment scheduled to be broadcast on November 15.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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