KF-16 pilot honored as Air Force's Top Gun

Air Force Maj. Han Jae-seok / Courtesy of ROK Air Force

By Kang Seung-woo

Maj. Han Jae-seok, a KF-16 fighter pilot has been named the Air Force's "Top Gun" for 2020 after exhibiting a stellar performance in an annual live-firing contest.

According to the Air Force, Wednesday, Han who serves in the 123rd Fighter Squadron of the 20th Fighter Wing earned a score of 965 out of a possible 1,000 from the three sections of the Boramae Aerial Shooting Contest to take the title.

The three are an air-to-air strike, an air alert-interdiction and an air-to-ground strike. The 32-year-old received a perfect score in the first two missions.

"Top Gun" is one of the most coveted titles in the country's Air Force and a mark of excellence.

Since 2013 when Han finished his flight training, the pilot has continued his military career with the current squadron. He has flown more than 1,040 hours, including 820 hours in the KF-16.

While assuming duty as safety commander working to prevent accidents in his squadron, Han is also committed to nurturing junior pilots.

"I give my colleagues credit for the achievement," Han said. "I will try my best to help the Air Force improve its combat capabilities and defend the airspace."

Meanwhile, Han plans to donate part of the prize money to an Air Force foundation set up to help the children of military pilots that have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The contest was first held in 1960.

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