Republic of Korea Armed Forces service member participates in international exercise

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kindo Go | Republic of Korea Armed Forces 1st Lt. Ki Wook Hwang stands at the top of an observation post at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 20, 2019. Hwang, a native of An-yang City, South Korea, is a company executive officer with Special Warfare Command and is participating in Khaan Quest 2019 from June 14-28. Khaan Quest is a multinational exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces. Approximately 220 U.S. personnel and 900 Mongolian Armed Forces personnel are participating in Khaan Quest, along with 750 personnel from 30 other countries. (U.S. Marine Corps illustration by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go. This photo consists of multiple images stitched together using the Brenizer method in order to create a portrait composite.)  

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

06.20.2019

Story by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go  

III MEF Information Group     

Republic of Korea Armed Forces 1st Lt. Ki Wook Hwang is a native of An-yang City, South Korea, who wanted to play a more active role in the protection of his country. Volunteering for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps then finishing the officer course, Hwang is now a company executive officer with Special Warfare Command. He now plays active parts in training exercises in his continued effort to improve the ROK Armed Forces. Khaan Quest is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. Hwang is a participant of Khaan Quest from June 14-28.
Q&A

Q: How do you feel being in the military?
A: “I feel that being in the military is good, but we should always continue to improve. We should always constantly remind ourselves why we’re in the military, to serve and protect our country. If we continue to improve, I think Korea will have a better military.”

Q: Why do you think Khaan Quest is important?
A: “Khaan Quest is important because there aren’t many operations like this. It lets us learn about the other countries’ cultures, how they think, and how they work. This is also kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity for me too. This will help me improve and develop as an officer.”

Q: How do you feel working with the other countries?
A: “Since it’s my first time in Mongolia and Khaan Quest, it’s my first time actually interacting with these countries. I have drinks with them and we learn about each other. They have different views and cultures from Korea. It’s just a great experience learning from all of them.”

• Date Taken: 06.20.2019
• Date Posted: 06.20.2019 23:27
• Story ID: 328460
• Location: ULAANBAATAR, MN