Mine victim moves to new field of battle

Kim Jeong-won

Kim Jeong-won, who lives with a prosthetic foot after losing his own last August to a land mine planted by North Korea in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), is a soon-to-be sergeant first class cyberwarrior.

Kim, 24, who formerly served in the special forces, was a staff sergeant when he was injured. He applied to the National Cyber Command after completing his rehabilitation treatment. The command is a part of the Ministry of National Defense and Kim is in charge of defending the computer networks. He will fulfil his national security duty in cyberspace, away from the DMZ.

“Kim is used to field operations, but he’s learning the basics of cybersecurity and adapting to life in his new workplace,” said an official from the Ministry of National Defense.

“It will be difficult for me to fulfil my duties in my current condition, but I hope my service is of great use to the military,” said Kim.

Kim applied to the National Cyber Command when he realized he might no longer be able to take part in field operations.

“It’s now difficult for me to fight in the DMZ, but I will combat my enemies in cyberspace,” said Kim in an interview with an authority from the National Cyber Command on Dec. 14.

Despite losing one of his feet, Kim said he has very little difficulty in his daily life. He’s been working out in the gym after work, riding his bike near the Han River on the weekends and even doing yoga to improve his flexibility.

BY JEONG YONG-SOO [shin.sooyeon@joongang.co.kr]