21st Century Goguryeo

December 31st, 2023, 15:00 (Kurdistan Time: 09:00)

Hussen-Abad, West Azerbaijan, Republic of Kurdistan

The village of Hussen-Abad, where about 200 people live, was out on the streets early in the morning to enjoy the New Year's celebrations, dancing traditional folk dances and sharing food. However, not all of the villagers came out on the streets to enjoy the 'Neuruz' event.

It was because the independence of the Kurdistan Republic, which 40 million Kurdians had longed for, was declared an hour later.

As a result, not only Hussen-Abad, but also all cities and towns of the Kurdistan Republic were holding a grand 'Neuruz' event and Independence Day celebrations.

Two days ago, on the 29th, the governments of Iran and Iraq, which had been at war with each other while denying the independence of the Kurdistan Republic, issued a statement through their official channels that they hoped for the recognition of the independence of the Kurdistan Republic and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries. In addition, Turkey, which had been watching and had taken a step back through the mediation of the Republic of Korea, sent a message congratulating the Kurdistan Republic on their independence. The Arab League also sent an intention to agree.

Accordingly, the government of the Kurdistan Republic designated December 31 as the official independence day of the Kurdistan Republic, and now only the declaration of independence remains.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!"

About 200 residents, who were looking at the large screen installed on one side of the town square, shouted the countdown in unison.

Finally, the long-awaited broadcast of the declaration of independence of the Kurdistan Republic began.

Meanwhile, the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, which were guarding the border between Hussen-Abad and the surrounding area, gathered in the square to celebrate their independence day as well as to participate in the 'Neuruz' festival.

"Wow! It surely feels like the war is now over. Hahaha!"

Private Kwak Young-hwan, who shouted the countdown together, waved the Taegeukgi and the Kurdistan Republic flag in both hands and smiled.

"That is true. Hahaha!"

Sergeant Kim Seong-ho was also happy, shaking Private Kwak Young-hwan's head and laughing together.

The screen shone brightly and Saed al-Jaber, the first president of the Kurdistan Republic, appeared. He was slightly nervous, his expression hardened and his mouth trembled.

"Dear citizens of the Kurdistan Republic!"

This is how President Saed al-Jaber's declaration of independence began with greetings.

"We, the 40 million Kurdians, had lost our national sovereignty and territory to world powers over the past hundreds of years and suffered like vagrants for 100 years. But today, we will restore our country's sovereignty, our territory, and our family, which we have longed for and hoped for. It has been done."

Suddenly, thick tears flowed from the eyes of President Saed al-Jaber. No, he wasn't the only one. Not only were the government officials who supported the president crying, but all citizens of the Kurdistan Republic watching on TV were shedding tears, regardless of gender or age. The soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, who were watching them at Hussen-Abad Square, were crying tears of joy as well as if it was their country that had achieved independence.

President Saed al-Jaber continued to announce the declaration of independence.

"We must not forget how many people lost their lives in the independence movement until today. We will have to work hard and educate the future generations so that their noble lives are not forgotten from generation to generation. Also, on behalf of the people, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea. This grace, I will never forget. Thank you very much. Thank you."

President Al Jaber gave a big bow in Korean style, as he had planned to do. When this scene was broadcast, the villagers of Hussen-Abad looked back and said 'Thank you' in Korean to the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company.

At this point, even in the hearts of the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, there was a warm feeling. Who wouldn't be thrilled in such a situation?

"No. Thank you. We just did what we had to do."

"Wow! Thank you. Haha!"

"I love Kurdistan!"

The soldiers responded by waving their hands while smiling brightly.

"Wow, this is a touching moment. Hahaha! Huh? Kwak Young-hwan, are you still crying?"

Corporal Kim Seong-ho also waved his hand in return, and when he turned his head to the sound of someone sniffling next to him, Private Kwak Young-hwan was crying and his nose was running.

"Weep Weep! Sergeant Kim! How will the tears stop in this situation?"

"That's right, but aren't you overdoing it? Then you will cry out loud."

"Damn it, just let me be. Don't be mean to your successor who wants to cry."

"I get it. Okay. Keep on crying! Hahaha."

The declaration of independence by President Saed al-Jaber had come to an end.

"Dear citizens! Now, let us declare the independence of the Kurdistan Republic to the whole world. On December 31, 2023, we, the Kurdistan Republic, declare to the whole world our independence."

Upon President Saed al-Jaber's declaration of independence, the villagers of Hussen-Abad stood up in unison, hugged each other, or raised their hands and cheered. The soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company also congratulated them with applause and cheers.

With this, the Republic of Kurdistan officially announced that it was an independent state that had secured sovereignty to all countries in the world. When the announcement broadcast ended with President Saed al-Jaber expressing his thanks once again, Kurdish folk music began to play in the square, and residents held hands and began to dance.

From children to the elderly, tears of joy were shed, and they seemed to enjoy happiness. Some of the members of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company seemed to have fun, so they danced like children in the crowd.

"Hey, guys! Let's unpack what we brought! The kids have arrived."

The children of the village were running toward the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company with their eyes focused on them.

When Sergeant Goh Ki-jun of the 1st Reconnaissance Platoon saw this and unpacked the backpack he was carrying, the other members of the 3rd squad also took out the children's favorite chocolates and candy from their backpacks.

"Wow! It's chocolate! Please give it to me first."

The members of the 1st reconnaissance platoon, surrounded by the children who rushed in like bees, gave the children pieces of chocolate and candy as if they were Santa Claus.

"Hey, guys! There are a lot! Slow down! You will get hurt."

The members of the 1st reconnaissance platoon felt happy when they saw the children they liked holding a bundle of candy with their small hands like pebbles.

"Huh! Corporal Kim! No, Sergeant Kim, who will be promoted to sergeant tomorrow! Look there! Look over there."

"It's chaotic. Why?"

While he was frantically handing out chocolates and candy to the children, Corporal Seong-ho Kim saw where Private Kwak Young-hwan was pointing.

"It is our sister-in-law."

Rosa Lin, a former Kurdish women's garrison, who was rescued by Corporal Kim Seong-ho from a mortar attack by Iranian militia during a security mission in downtown Marku in September, was standing with a K2 rifle provided by the South Korean military.

"What are you doing? Give me your backpack and go. Clear the roads kids! Our Sergeant Kim has some love business to attend to."

Private Kwak Young-hwan laughed softly and pushed Corporal Kim Seong-ho's back.

"Hey! Why am I...hey!"

"Ah! It's our sister-in-law that you haven't seen in a few months, so you should go over and say hello."

"This kid keeps saying, sister-in-law. Stop it!"

"Hey! You like it anyway!"

Corporal Seong-ho Kim said that, but his expression didn't seem to dislike him.

"Please hurry and go. We will have to be back in the station in a little while."

When Private Kwak Young-hwan gave him a push, Corporal Kim Seong-ho pretended to be helpless and moved toward Rosa Lin.

"Look! You like it anyway. I will spread the rumors when we enter the army!"

As Corporal Kim Seong-ho hesitated as he approached Rosa Lin, Private Kwak Young-hwan, who was looking at him from afar, shouted and shook his clenched right hand vigorously.

"Corporal Kim Seong-ho! Fighting!"

* * *

December 31st, 2023, 21:30

B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).

Although the 7th Mobile Corps, which successfully crossed the Jeya River, was engaged in fierce fighting against the 35th and 36th Army of Russia, Yoon Gi-yoon, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Situation Room, and the staff's interests were focused on the border area of New China.

A few days ago, he had been aware of the suspicious movements of the new military and devised several measures to deal with them.

First, all units along the border were instructed to strengthen the border. In addition, the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong), the rear support unit, was ordered to block all roads connected to the national border, including the G111 and S206 roads, within the defense area. In addition, the 3rd Armored Division (Baegol) was transferred to a quasi-wartime system and deployed forward 50 kilometers to the rear of Xian'an (Qinhuangdao) City, and the 1st Armored Division (Advanced) to Jinyuan (Lingyuan) City. In addition, the 5th Team's 8th Mechanized Infantry Division (Ottogi) and the 11th Armored Division (Hwarang), a unit under the direct control of the 1st Army, also issued an emergency order to move to Taeseong (Panjin) city.

Compared to the size of the New China Army currently deployed around the border, the Republic of Korea Army may be a far cry from its strength, but modern warfare was more about how superior the equipment that they had rather than its apparent numerical superiority. For the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, which currently possesses all kinds of equipment that is generally two to three generations ahead of New China, it was full of confidence that it could block even an enemy many times the size of it. Also, the victory in the Korean-Chinese war three years ago played a part in that confidence.

However, this was because the prestige of the New China Army, which was deployed along the border, was not a joke. Although the government has established and developed countermeasures, the new Chinese army had flocked to the border in what seemed like an extreme extent.

"No matter how you look at it, if you look at the development of the New China Army, it feels like they are planning to go to war with our country."

Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who was looking at the central screen to analyze the development of the new military forces yesterday and today, said while stroking his chin as if he was nervous.

"I! I have the same thoughts as Lieutenant General Yang, these guys aren't just strengthening the border. Isn't this a development that will allow them to advance across the border right now?"

"Do you think so, too?"

"You can't help but think about that when you see it, can't you? I mean, I think. Just like the last time in the Korean-Chinese war, we just wanted to blow things up first and advance to Beijing. Isn't it?"

"Haha, if we weren't at war with Russia, I would have thought the same as the deputy chief."

"Okay, that's right, that's right. If it weren't for that enemy, Russian, there would be nothing to worry about!"

Someone interrupted from behind as the two generals had a conversation with their eyes fixed on the central screen.

"What are you talking about?"

When Yoon Gi-yoon, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, turned his head, Kim Yong-hyeon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stood with his staff.

"How are you? Captain Kim! Why did you come so early?"

"What do you mean early? Haha, it's already past 22:00."

Kim Yong-hyeon, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looked at his watch and smiled brightly.

"Is it already that late? Time goes by so fast."

After the outbreak of the Korean War, the Joint Chiefs of Staff worked for three shifts of eight hours for the 24-hour central command. All of them continued to attend important engagements or meetings, but if there were no other special circumstances, they took the lead in three shifts.

"Did you have anything special today?"

"There is nothing special other than the deployment along the New Chinese Army's border."

Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, handed him a PC tablet and said. The PC tablet contained everything that happened during the eight-hour command.

"Yes, it is. More troops than yesterday have been deployed along the border."

Kim Yong-hyeon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, checked the specifics with the PC tablet that was handed over to him and put his index finger on the fingerprint scanner to indicate that the handover had taken place.

"The transfer is complete. Thank you. Just go in and rest. Lieutenant General Yang has also worked hard."

"What trouble do you have? Captain Kim, who works the night shift, must work hard. Haha! Well then, we are leaving."

"Salute! Good job, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who served with Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, greeted him and saluted. At this time, Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who walked to the door of the situation room, turned his head and said,

"Captain Kim! I am speaking from experience. No matter how much I think about it, the movement of New China's army is not unusual. I might be an old man but I still have my instincts."

"Yes, I will keep a close eye on it."

"Alright. Good job."