Now, can you see me? Yes, that's right. The person depicted in the bust sculpture is Sergeant Jung Jongsoo, and the full-body statue standing beside him is me, Choi Gyusik. I served as the Chief of Jongno Police Station in 1968.

On the night of January 21, 1968, I received a call from the Jahamun Checkpoint, which was under the jurisdiction of Jongno Police Station, reporting that there were some suspicious individuals. They identified themselves as members of a special forces unit and disregarded police intervention, proceeding towards the city center. We received a report stating that something seemed suspicious.

I also found it suspicious, so without any delay, I rushed to the Changuimun Gate area with the Quick Reaction Force(QRF). There, we encountered the armed communist guerrillas. At that moment, a city bus happened to pass by, and the guerrillas, mistaking it for our reinforcements, began throwing grenades and firing their weapons. This led to a life-and-death firefight.

As the communist guerrillas realized that advancing further on the main road was difficult, they attempted to scatter. I also moved forward at that moment.

But heavens, I was shot. However, with my last ounce of strength, I managed to regain consciousness and gave the order to 'protect Cheong Wa Dae.' As you may be aware, a joint effort by the police and the military resulted in a fierce battle, leading to the deaths of the majority of 31 armed communist guerrillas. The only one we managed to capture alive was Kim Sinjo.

In fact, we suffered significant casualties on our side as well. A total of 75 people, including myself and Sergeant Jung Jongsoo, were injured or lost their lives. There were also 7 civilian casualties, which is truly tragic.

Such tragedies should never happen again. Nevertheless, if a similar incident were to occur, I believe that our younger police officers would do their best, just as I did.

After January 21, 1968, I was no longer able to carry out my duties. However, while standing here, I've witnessed South Korea undergo significant changes and development. I’ve seen this place, which resembled a battlefield at the time, transform into a welcoming destination for both locals and foreigners to enjoy. Though there is still some lingering attachment, I can now smile, knowing that I fulfilled my duty. Also, I'm delighted to share with all of you the things I've witnessed and heard in this place.

My guidance isn't over yet. If you cross the street and walk on the right side, in the opposite direction of the city, you'll find Buam-dong Community Center. Follow the alley next to the community center, and you'll arrive at Mugyewon, which was established in 2014. That's where I'll conclude today's mission.

I understand it's been quite a walk to reach this point, but just a little more effort as we make our way to the final stop of Route 1.