First four-generation Marine family established (from top left, clockwise): 1st generation Marine Kim Jae-chan, 2nd generation Marine Kim Eun-il, 4th generation Marine Corporal Kim Jun-young, 3rd generation Marine Kim Cheol-min. [Provided by the Marine Corps. Resale and database prohibited.] 

"Though my path as a Marine began with blood ties, I believe it is my duty to see this path beautifully completed!"

On the 2nd, at the graduation ceremony for the 1,327th class of Marine recruits held at the Marine Corps Training Command parade ground, the first four-generation Marine family was established.

The protagonist is the family of Corporal Kim Jun-young, who shared his extraordinary resolve.

While there have been 58 families with three generations serving as Marines, this is the first four-generation Marine family in the 77-year history of the Marine Corps.

The first-generation Marine, his great-grandfather the late Kim Jae-chan, voluntarily enlisted as the 3rd class recruit. He served as a member of the Marine Corps' "invincible legend" during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. He participated in major Marine Corps battles, including the Incheon Landing Operation and the Battle of the Sol-dan Hills, earning commendations.

The second-generation Marine, his grandfather Kim Eun-il, enlisted as the 173rd class recruit and participated in the Vietnam War, conducting operations in areas such as Chu Lai.

The third-generation Marine, his father Kim Cheol-min, enlisted as the 754th class recruit and served in the front lines of the Gimpo Peninsula, defending the western flank of Seoul.

Corporal Kim, now wearing the "red patch," said, "With pride in being a fourth-generation Marine, I will become an 'invincible Marine' who completes my assigned missions with the pride of adding a chapter to the history of the Marine Corps."

His grandfather, Kim Eun-il, who traveled all the way from Gapado Island in Jeju to encourage his grandson, also attended the graduation ceremony.

Mr. Kim expressed his support, saying, "I hope that all the junior Marines, not just my grandson, will serve as strong Marines, firmly protect the nation, and return home safely."

A total of 1,319 individuals, including Corporal Kim, graduated that day.

Kim Soo-yong, the Commander of the Training Command (Marine Brigadier General), stated, "At this crucial juncture where the Marine Corps is establishing its position as one of the four pillars of the military, I am confident that the 1,327th class of recruits will be at the forefront of this endeavor."