Inspiring Figure

[Anchor Lead]

Sergeant first class Ha Jae-heon lost his two legs in the North Korea-perpetrated mine explosion in 2015. As of January 31st, he completed his four and a half year military career. He is now opening a new chapter in his life as an athlete, a para boat racer. Let's take a look at his inspiring story.

[Pkg]

Making steps is an arduous task for this man. Sergeant first class Ha Jae-heon lost both legs after stepping on a North Korea-planted mine in the demilitarized zone in August 2015. On January 31st, after four years and six months of service, his military life is officially over.

[Soundbite] Ha Jae-heon(Sergeant first class) : "I received the order to leave the military. So I make this report."

The horrible accident took place when he was on a search mission on the front line. He endured 21 surgeries and a painstaking rehabilitation process. Now assisted by prosthetic legs, he can stand on his two feet.

[Soundbite] Kim Mun-ja(Ha's mother) : "All I can do is support and cheer him on. He encourages and inspires those around him."

Now, Ha is opening the next chapter in life, with a new goal. During rehab, he came across the sport of rowing, and found a new passion in life.

[Soundbite] Ha Jae-heon(Sergeant first class) : "It's a job that got me fired up and I also enjoyed looking at the scenery at sea."

After a great deal of hard work and training, he won silver in the National Para Games in October. His next goal is a gold medal in the Tokyo Paralympics next year and the Paris Games in 2024. He is inspiring many others with his confidence and can-do spirit.