‘Kkokkomu’ vividly conveyed the process of the 'Miracle Operation' carried out by the South Korean government amid the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, resonating with viewers.
The SBS entertainment program 'The Day That Tails Follow' aired on the 25th, focusing on the 'Miracle Operation' and shared the exhilarating moments of South Korea's rescue operation that protected Afghan special contributors from the threats of the Taliban. Actors Jeon So-min, singer Choi Yena, and comedian Jung Seong-ho participated as listeners, experiencing the breathless moments together.
In August 2021, following the announcement of the U.S. military withdrawal, the situation in Afghanistan collapsed in an instant. The Taliban seized control of various regions in Afghanistan and eventually entered the capital, Kabul. South Korean embassy staff evacuated urgently to escape the Taliban, which was only 10 km away, but local employees and their families who had worked with South Korea for years were left behind. They were left in a desperate situation, exposed to threats of retaliation.
The South Korean government recognized Afghans who had cooperated with South Korea as special contributors and decided to rescue them. The mission was assigned to the Air Force, named the 'Miracle Operation'. It embodied the will to achieve a miraculous rescue.
Civilian flights in Afghanistan were already paralyzed, leaving military aircraft as the only option. Jeon So-min expressed her astonishment, saying, "It's a mission where you really risk your life." Two C-130J Super Hercules transport planes, equipped with missile response capabilities, and one KC-330 Cygnus capable of long-distance transport and aerial refueling were dispatched, and the operation began in the early hours of August 23, 2021. At that moment, Jang Do-yeon exclaimed, "I'm proud," and Jung Seong-ho was moved, saying, "It really feels like a movie."
However, the operation faced unexpected problems. The special contributors could not reach the airport. The Taliban set up checkpoints at every corner to control access. On the first day, only 26 out of the target of 390 people arrived at the airport. The Air Force and embassy staff proceeded with the first transfer to Pakistan amid growing anxiety.
Even veteran pilots could not guarantee safety as dangerous moments continued. Listener Choi Yena empathized, saying, "It must be really overwhelming to realize that you can't do anything." The situation worsened. The area around the airport was filled with crowds trying to escape Afghanistan, leading to incidents of trampling and falls. One team member recalled, "It was hell there."
At that time, the Air Force special forces CCT were deployed, fully armed, to ensure the safety of the aircraft and assist the boarding of special contributors. The turning point of the operation was the 'Bus Operation' proposed at a multinational meeting led by the United States. The plan was to use pre-agreed buses to pass through Taliban checkpoints.
However, at the moment the bus carrying South Korean special contributors was just one gate away from the airport, the Taliban blocked their passage. They rejected the travel documents, claiming they were copies. When an embassy staff member offered to bring the originals, the Taliban dramatically allowed them to pass. The special contributors were able to cover a 10-minute distance in 10 hours. At that moment, Jeon So-min said, "Miracles are closer than you think. It's so hopeful," with tears in her eyes.
However, the crisis was not over. The South Korean transport aircraft over Kabul was repeatedly alerted to missile threats. It was a life-and-death moment where it would not have been surprising if a missile had flown in at any moment. Jeon So-min said, "If such a situation had occurred, I would have fainted," as she wiped her brow.
Finally, on August 26, the Afghan special contributors safely set foot on Korean soil. About half of them were children, and there were even newborns. Mr. Ziauddin Sediki, who was rescued as a special contributor, said, "It was an impossible mission," but added, "Korean colleagues promised to help us. I believed that. This operation was possible because I believed in friendship and the strength of the Korean government. I will never forget my gratitude."
The 'Miracle Operation' was not only a symbolic operation that proved the South Korean military's crisis response capabilities but also demonstrated the commitment to take responsibility for local people who cooperated with Korea until the end. Jeon So-min expressed her emotions, saying, "I'm so proud and warm. I'm grateful for everything," while Choi Yena conveyed her lingering feelings, saying, "I'm grateful just to be breathing here at this moment."
MCs Jang Do-yeon, Jang Hyun-seong, and Jang Seong-kyu referenced the 'Heungnam Evacuation Operation' during the Korean War, where South Korea received help from the U.S. military, reflecting, "Isn't this a demonstration of South Korea's status as a country that now provides help?"
Meanwhile, 'Kkokkomu' is a program where three storytellers study and share their insights with their 'story friends' in the most ordinary spaces one-on-one. It airs every Thursday at 10:20 PM.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
