First twins gain entry to West Point

LOS ANGELES ― The two brothers were born within minutes of each other 18 years ago.
Now Hong Seung-bo and Seung-u, Korean-Americans who live in Huntington Beach, California, will be the first twins to enter the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, where they will be educated for future commission as officers in the U.S. Army.
The admission letter was a Christmas gift to their family. They received the letter from the academy right before Christmas Day.
“We are having a fantastic Christmas holiday,” Hong Seung-bo said. “The West Point admissions staff told us they’ve never seen twin brothers admitted together.”
The brothers began dreaming of becoming commissioned officers after they entered high school.
The brothers, who are graduating with the class of 2008 at Ocean View High School, said a minister at their Long Beach New Hope Church had inspired them.
“We’ve heard our minister saying good things about West Point many times,” Seung-bo said. “The minister is a Vietnam vet. He said, ‘Becoming a West Point cadet is one of the best ways to make your mark in American history.’”
The application process includes a university application form, standardized test scores and personal references just like any other college. But additional requirements include a complete physical exam and an aptitude test.
For the twins, the physical testing was no problem. Seung-bo was captain of the high school football team while Seung-u played golf, basketball and ran cross-country.
Their proud parents respect their sons’ decision.
“I’ve received the best Christmas gift ever,” said Hong Seong-ho, the twins’ father.
“I respect their decision to walk this path, and I hope they become great officers.”

By Lim Sang-hwan Staff Reporter/ Lee Yang-kyoung JoongAng Ilbo[enational@joongang.co.kr
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