(July 18, 2011, Korea, (The Korea Times))--A Korean War veteran living in an urban slum in Addis Ababa will be invited to visit South Korea six decades after he fought for democracy and freedom for the citizens during the war.
Hailu Ayaleu, a 79-year old veteran living in Kebena, had always wished to visit Seoul, Incheon and other big cities in South Korea again. Living in poverty, it was hard for him to finance such an expensive trip himself. His dream is set to come true. With funding from a war veterans’ association based in Seoul, the Ethiopian man will be invited to the above cities to witness the country’s dramatic transformation since the Korean War.
The promise came when President Lee Myung-bak accidentally visited Ayaleu’s home, while helping with disinfection of the urban slum on July 9 on the sidelines of his visit to the African nation. Lee was ushered to Ayaleu’s home after hearing that the war veteran lived in the neighborhood. Seven family members, including the veteran’s daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, welcomed Lee and his aides.
Also present was Park Dae-won, president of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The family members were quoted as saying that they watch Korean dramas every day on KBS World. During the conversation, Ayaleu said veteran colleagues had visited Busan and Incheon on a tour, but he hadn’t had such an opportunity.
The wounded 79-year-old war veteran expressed his wish to see how those cities have transformed, which was instantly accepted by Lee. Read more from The Korea Times »
The promise came when President Lee Myung-bak accidentally visited Ayaleu’s home, while helping with disinfection of the urban slum on July 9 on the sidelines of his visit to the African nation. Lee was ushered to Ayaleu’s home after hearing that the war veteran lived in the neighborhood. Seven family members, including the veteran’s daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, welcomed Lee and his aides.
Also present was Park Dae-won, president of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The family members were quoted as saying that they watch Korean dramas every day on KBS World. During the conversation, Ayaleu said veteran colleagues had visited Busan and Incheon on a tour, but he hadn’t had such an opportunity.
The wounded 79-year-old war veteran expressed his wish to see how those cities have transformed, which was instantly accepted by Lee. Read more from The Korea Times »
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