"The thrill of cells coming alive when firing from the air"... The daily life of Captain Kim Hyo-seong, the Republic of Korea Army's first female attack helicopter pilot

The daily life of Captain Kim Hyo-seong, who made a name for herself as the first female attack helicopter pilot in the Republic of Korea Army, has been revealed. In the video, Captain Kim shows various sides of herself, from performing missions in the cockpit of the 'Cobra' attack helicopter, which scouts enemy lines and strikes targets, to her responsible appearance as an officer on duty managing the unit.

"A feeling of being reborn"... The thrill of flight felt by an attack helicopter pilot

Captain Kim Hyo-seong is the first female pilot to sit in the cockpit of the Cobra attack helicopter, which had never been open to women due to physical conditions and stamina requirements. Captain Kim, who performs reconnaissance and strike missions through low-altitude flying close to forests, honestly shared the emotions she feels during flight. According to the video subtitles and her speech, Captain Kim stated that she feels a thrilling sensation as if all the cells in her body are coming alive and a heart-warming joy when firing from the air. She described this as "a feeling of being reborn, it's truly thrilling," explaining that the attack helicopter is like a partner that makes her be reborn.

Responsibility as an officer on duty and bond with soldiers

A different kind of charisma was also captured, distinct from her appearance in the cockpit. Working as the officer on duty on a Saturday afternoon, Captain Kim showed the strict side of a soldier, inspecting the entire unit, checking ammunition status, and delivering precautions to soldiers. In particular, she focused on the mission of checking for abnormalities in the attack helicopters and scouting the control tower, in accordance with the characteristics of the Army Aviation unit.

However, even while performing her duties, she showed an informal side with the soldiers. During meal times, she ate together with the soldiers using the same meal trays, and showed a 'big sister-like' side by having casual conversations with soldiers nearing their discharge. During the night patrol process, even in bad weather with wind and rain, she did not let go of her responsibility, meticulously inspecting various parts of the unit for the safety of the soldiers. Captain Kim added that on days when drizzling rain falls, there is a desire not to go on patrol, but she must patrol when thinking about the soldiers on duty.

A 30-year-old woman who loves her combat uniform, "Red nails for self-satisfaction"

Behind her strength as a soldier, her daily life as a thirty-year-old woman was also captured. Captain Kim revealed that she receives periodic massages to manage the rubber ring marks and knotted muscles left on her calves due to intense training and flying. She also shared the hardship that in the past, her calves were so knotted that blood wouldn't circulate, making them look like 'chicken legs.' Additionally, to protect her skin from the strong ultraviolet rays pouring in during flight, she shows that she cares about skin management, using nearly a bottle of sunscreen every two months. This is because the ultraviolet rays pouring through the aircraft canopy are very strong.

In particular, Captain Kim mentioned that she applies red nail polish to her nails for her own satisfaction. Her words, that she changes her mood by looking at her nails in an environment where it is difficult to apply facial makeup, show both her identities as a soldier and a woman at the same time. Meanwhile, she expressed an extraordinary affection for her combat uniform, adding, "I really love the combat uniform. I like the color and the design, so I even want to continue my military life."