SHINee's Minho named ambassador for Korean War remains recovery project

Minho, a member of K-pop group SHINee, has been appointed as the new honorary ambassador for the Ministry of National Defense's Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification.

The agency held an appointment ceremony Thursday at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, coinciding with the launch of its second-half 2026 remains recovery operation.

Minho attended the ceremony and paid his respects at the National Memorial Tower. He then visited the identification center, where officials briefed him on the progress and key operations of the Korean War remains recovery project.

Going forward, Minho will participate in major events organized by the agency and contribute his time and talents to raise public awareness of the Korean War remains recovery project.

Minho volunteered for the Marine Corps in 2019 and completed his mandatory military service. He drew particular attention when it emerged that he had given up his end-of-service leave to take part in a national defense exercise shortly before his discharge.

"I feel a deep sense of pride and a profound sense of responsibility to be part of this noble project of bringing home the fallen who sacrificed themselves for their country," Minho said.

Previous ambassadors for the agency include Sungshin Women's University Professor Seo Kyung-deok in 2016, actor Park Ha-sun in 2018, actor Shin Goo in 2020, the late broadcaster Song Hae in 2021, BTS's RM in 2023, and Korean history lecturer Choi Tae-sung in 2024.