The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, the Korean Methodist Church, and the Korean American Association of Greater New York jointly hosted a memorial service at the Korean Methodist Church to pay tribute to the late Mr. Whang Ki-Whan on April 8. The service was held before his remains were repatriated to Korea.

The solemn ceremony was held, featuring flower offerings, moments of silence, and speeches by elected officials and community leaders. Over 120 Korean American community members, various veteran organizations, and government representatives from Korea and New York City attended the event. Distinguished guests included Consul General Euy Whan Kim, representatives from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, NYC Councilmember Rober Holden, International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, KAAGNY President Charles Yoon, and Rev. Chulwoo Chang, who found Mr. Whang’s grave years earlier. The service ended with Mr. Whang’s casket carried out by American and Korean Vietnam War veterans in honor of his service in the US Army during WWI.

Consul General Kim expressed gratitude to Councilmembers Robert Holden and Joseph Borelli, the New York City government, the Korean Methodist Church, and the Korean community for their collective efforts in facilitating the return of Mr. Whang’s remains to Korea a century after his passing. He added, “Mr. Whang would be proud to return to his now independent and free homeland, which also shares the world stage with other global economies. Korea achieved this remarkable status thanks to the sacrifices of patriots like Whang Ki-whan.”