The Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association, led by Chairman Woo Hyun-의, alongside the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation, chaired by Im Ho-young, presented retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn—former national security advisor in the first Trump administration and current chairman of the Gold Institute—with the Korean name ‘Shin Min-soo (申民守)’ in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 15.
The naming ceremony took place during the ‘2nd Indo-Pacific Summit’ co-hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the Gold Institute. The friendship association presented General Flynn with a naming plaque, traditional scroll, and a personal seal detailing the significance of ‘Shin Min-soo’.
The association designated Pyeongtaek, home to the U.S. Forces Korea headquarters, as the ancestral origin for his new name, creating the lineage of the ‘Pyeongtaek Shin clan’. The character ‘Min (民)’ represents ‘the people and citizens’, while ‘Soo (守)’ signifies ‘to guard and protect’. The name embodies the wish for him to continue the legacy of his father, a Korean War veteran, by safeguarding the citizens of both nations and serving as a true leader who strengthens the alliance.
The association stated, ‘Just as General Flynn’s father dedicated himself to protecting the freedom and peace of South Korea as a Korean War veteran, we hope General Flynn will continue that mission to protect the peoples of both nations, advance the alliance, and promote global peace.’ Chairman Woo Hyun-의 added, ‘We hope he will continue to strive for peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula but around the world.’
Expressing his gratitude, Flynn said, ‘I will cherish the honor you have given me for the rest of my life.’ He then shared his family’s three-generation connection to South Korea, spanning his grandfather’s and father’s service in the Korean War and his youngest son’s tour of duty with U.S. Forces Korea.
Flynn noted that the meaning of ‘protector’ embedded in his Korean name resonated deeply with his own given name chosen by his mother. He explained that his first name, Michael, derives from the Archangel Michael, adding, ‘Michael is a protector and a warrior.’
The Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association has previously bestowed traditional Korean names upon prominent former and current U.S. government and military figures who have contributed to bilateral relations. Past recipients include President Donald Trump (‘Woo Dae-il’), former President Joe Biden (‘Bae Ji-sung’), and former President Barack Obama (‘Oh Han-ma’).
