Answer: General Douglas MacArthur, who commanded United Nations forces during the Korean War, described both the citizens and military of South Korea in glowing terms.
In a speech to the US Congress in 1951, MacArthur praised the people of South Korea, saying, "They are a brave and industrious people, determined to be free and to live in peace with their neighbors." He also described the South Korean military as "a dedicated force fighting with determination and skill against a ruthless aggressor."
MacArthur believed that the South Koreans were fighting not just for their own survival, but for the cause of freedom and democracy more broadly. He saw the war as a struggle between two opposing ideologies: communism and democracy. In his view, the South Korean military and people were on the front lines of this battle, fighting for the principles of freedom and democracy that the United States held dear.
Overall, MacArthur had great admiration and respect for both the citizens and military of South Korea, whom he saw as valiant defenders of the principles of freedom and democracy.