The Hero’s Return: How DNA Technology Reunited a Family with Their Fallen Soldier

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PFC Choi Baek-in, who made the ultimate sacrifice at 19 while defending South Korea during the Korean War, has finally come home to his family.

MAKRI announced on the 10th that remains excavated in April 2007 near Unju Mountain in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, have been positively identified as those of PFC Choi Baek-in, who served with the 7th Regiment, 6th Infantry Division.

Born in October 1930 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Choi was the eldest of six siblings. He enlisted in August 1950 and was assigned to the 7th Regiment, 6th Division. Choi fell in battle against North Korean forces during the Battle of Yeongcheon in September of that year.

MAKRI initially attempted DNA extraction from the remains in 2008, but technological limitations and the lack of family reference samples hindered identification efforts at that time.

A breakthrough came in October 2021 when Choi’s only surviving sibling, his sister Choi Gil-ja, provided a DNA sample at the Jeonju Health Center. Advances in genetic analysis techniques allowed for successful DNA extraction from the remains, which, when compared with the family reference sample, confirmed PFC Choi’s identity.

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A “Return of the Fallen Hero” ceremony was subsequently held at Choi Gil-ja’s residence in Jeonju.

During the ceremony, Acting Director Kim presented the family with a commemorative plaque, the official identification notice, and a container holding personal effects recovered with the remains. He also detailed PFC Choi’s service history, the excavation process, and the steps taken to confirm his identity.

Choi Gil-ja shared her emotional journey, stating, “Just days before the call, I dreamed of my brother and felt compelled to offer him a meal, so I bought chopsticks and a spoon. When I received the news that they had found him, it felt surreal. I want to lay my brother to rest in a place of honor at the national cemetery. I’m overjoyed that I can fulfill my wish to find and properly bury him before my own passing.”

Acting Director Kim emphasized, “Family participation in DNA sampling is crucial for identifying Korean War casualties. Beginning with PFC Choi Baek-in this year, we hope to see increased public interest and engagement to help more of our fallen heroes return to their families.”

By Staff Sgt. Kim Moon-kyung