Fellow Koreans, this is truly a time of profound sorrow and great shock.

The stern of the sunken navy ship, Cheonan, was recovered last week. Our eyes filled with tears as we watched the salvage operation; one by one, our boys were removed from the ship covered in our national flag, the Taegeukgi.

My heart is torn into pieces. How could it be? Why them?

As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea, I take to heart infinite responsibilities and unfathomable grief. For the last time, I would like to call out the names of our beloved sailors one by one even though I never did so when they were alive.

Master Chief Petty Officer Lee Chang-gi, Senior Chief Petty Officer Choi Han-kwon, Senior Chief Petty Officer Nam Gi-hoon, Senior Chief Petty Officer Kim Tae-suk,

Senior Chief Petty Officer Moon Kyu-suk, Chief Petty Officer Kim Kyung-su, Chief Petty Officer An Kyung-hwan, Chief Petty Officer Kim Jong-hun,

Chief Petty Officer Choi Jung-hwan, Chief Petty Officer Min Pyung-gi, Chief Petty Officer Jeong Jong-yul, Chief Petty Officer Park Kyung-su,

Chief Petty Officer Kang Joon, Chief Petty Officer Park Suk-won, Chief Petty Officer Shin Sun-joon, Petty Officer First Class Im Jae-yub,

Petty Officer First Class Sohn Soo-min, Petty Officer First Class Shim Young-bin, Petty Officer First Class Jo Jung-kyu, Petty Officer First Class Bang Il-min,

Petty Officer First Class Jo Jin-young, Petty Officer First Class Cha Kyun-suk, Petty Officer First Class Park Bo-ram, Petty Officer First Class Moon Young-uk,

Petty Officer First Class Lee Sang-jun, Petty Officer First Class Jang Jin-sun, Petty Officer First Class Seo Seung-won, Petty Officer First Class Park Sung-kyun,

Petty Officer First Class Seo Dae-ho, Petty Officer First Class Kim Dong-jin, Petty Officer Second Class Lee Sang-hee, Petty Officer Second Class Lee Yong-sang,

Petty Officer Second Class Lee Jae-min, Petty Officer Second Class Lee Sang-min, and another Petty Officer Second Class Lee Sang-min,

Petty Officer Second Class Kang Hyun-ku, Petty Officer Third Class Jung Bum-ku, Petty Officer Third Class Kim Sun-myung, Petty Officer Third Class Park Jung-hoon,

Petty Officer Third Class An Dong-yeob, Petty Officer Third Class Kim Sun-ho, Seaman Kang Tae-min, Seaman Na Hyun-min,

Seaman Jo Ji-hoon, Seaman Apprentice Jung Tae-joon, and Seaman Apprentice Jang Chul-hee.

I feel I can almost hear you answering my call; each of you stating your name and rank with a resounding voice.

I can almost picture the ship’s final moment. With concerns about your homeland and family, you must have encouraged one another the very last moment saying, “You first, you have to live!” 

“Those who covet the waters of our nation will never succeed; they will never vanquish us under our glaring eyes; we are the proud warriors of the Cheonan.” You must be singing the song Cheonan together in heaven. I can almost hear your tune.

Now, entrust all your duties to us with confidence and rest in peace. This is my command.

As President, I promise that every detail concerning the cause of the sinking of the corvette, the Cheonan, will come to light. I will resolutely deal with the outcome and make sure this sort of incident never recurs in the future. We will safeguard our nation with watertight security measures and make our armed forces stronger. Strong armed forces have strong mental fortitude as well as powerful weaponry. What we need now more than anything is that mental fortitude.

Now is the time for us to reflect on ourselves in an objective manner. What is it that we are lacking, what is the problem with us? We have to thoroughly identify our shortcomings and rectify them.

Beloved officers and sailors of the Cheonan,

When the country is reunified and genuine peace and prosperity settle in this land, the nation will renew the memory of your sacrifices. Your motherland that you dearly loved will remember you forever.

Bereaved families of the fallen sailors,

What word can possibly comfort you? But be assured that the whole nation stand united in the remembrance of your sons and husbands. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. I hope you will find strength from the condolences and support pouring in from all corners of the nation. 

Fellow citizens,

We must to transcend this shocking sorrow and regain our collective strength together. Let us triumph over these tribulations with one heart and one mind. This is the way for us, the survivors, to uphold the spirit of our sailors and honor their sacrifices.

Thank you very much.